New Year, New Instagram?
It feels like that with all of the updates Instagram has rolled out in the last little while. From reels to image sizing, stories, and almost everything in between, these updates will change how you use this OG social media platform. So, let’s do a quick recap of what’s new on Instagram so you can simplify your social presence and still make a big impact!
Instagram Reels Updates
Since launching in 2020, reels have gone through a transformation. Initially, they were only 15-second videos with limited in-app editing options like AR effects, audio choices, and align mode. With the most recent update, reels can be up to 3 minutes long, a bump from the previous 90-second limit. (Instagram’s partner platform, Facebook, still only allows up to 90-second reels, though.) The only tricky thing with this new length is that Instagram doesn’t currently have licenses for 3 minutes of audio tracks, according to Adam Mossari, so you might need to save these for talking head videos or use original audio instead.
The awesome thing about the time increase for reels is you can leverage your impact almost like a mini-podcast episode. If you already create long-format videos for YouTube, you can edit them into 3-minute segments to work smarter (not harder) and simplify your content strategy!
One more update to reels is the ability to use Test Reels. Not sure how I feel about this one, kinda going to see how it plays out, TBH. The concept is pretty simple: create a reel different from your usual content or one to test out a new strategy, and it will get shown to people who don’t already follow you. The purpose is to “depressurize” sharing reels on the platform. Let’s wait and see about this update.
Instagram Profile Updates
Do you have the new “simplified bio” update yet? It’s only available on mobile (not desktop) for now, and honestly, not much has changed besides a bit of reformatting of where the text sits on the page. Check it out below!
Instagram Content Updates
In 2015, Instagram introduced new sizing options for content from the OG square 1080 px x 1080 px to include portrait (1080 px x 1350 px) and landscape (1080 px x 606 px) sizing. Fast forward 10 years, and the sizing for not only your content but also your profile grid is changing. Peep what the new portrait format for your grid looks like below.
Personally, I like this visual shift because you don’t have to spend extra time editing graphics and reels covers to fit within that square format, so your text doesn’t get cut off anymore. It helps you simplify things, and I’m ALLLL for that! Remember that the sizing for the new format is 1012 px x 1350 px for portrait posts, 1080 px x 1440 px for reels, and 1080 px x 1610 px for stories.
Instagram Stories Updates
This next update is in testing mode…Instagram Stories Highlights are moving from where they currently sit below your bio to their own tab on your profile page. Say goodbye to the little circle icons (pogs) for your highlight covers and hello to your Highlights Tab marked by a heart. The purpose of this update is to simplify the visual presence of your profile page by making it less cluttered.
Also, Instagram Stories is getting its own comment section! Commenting on a story before meant your comment was sent as a direct message to someone and could only be viewed by them. Now, you can make a publicly visible comment to anyone else who views the story. The comments last as long as stories do, so 24 hours. The limitations with this update are that you can comment only on stories of followers who also follow you, and you have to enable the setting in your profile under ‘Messages and Story Replies.’
Here’s how to use this new feature:
- Go to the Story you want to comment on.
- Tap the chat icon in the bottom left corner.
- Type your comment.
- Tap “Post.” Ta-da! That’s it!
Instagram Hashtag Updates
You probably know that the whole 30 hashtags, or 3-5 optimal hashtags, don’t really impact your content reach anymore. Instagram instead encourages using keywords in the body of your caption and the text of your visuals for a better impact for searchability and reach. You also used to be able to follow hashtags to explore new content, creators, and businesses on the app. As of December 13, 2024, you can no longer follow hashtags. Why? Basically, since Instagram has deprioritized the use of hashtags, this shift makes that move clear to users of the platform. Key point, use keywords instead of relying on hashtags.
To wrap up, Instagram (like all the other social media platforms out there) will always be changing, shifting, and updating. This means changes in how you use the platform for your business. To stay on top of all things social, join the FREE Social and Stuff Membership for all the social support you need!
Your Social BFF,
Sarah 💅🏻
