Instagram marketing has dramatically changed over the last two years. And to a large extent, in addition to algorithm updates, this owes to the latest features on the platform.
The app has introduced several new handy features in the last year, providing businesses with enhanced opportunities to interact with their audience.
You can now share and engage with your followers (and non-followers) on Instagram in a more effective way.
Here are four new features and how you can use them to bolster your Instagram marketing in 2024.
1. Expanded Carousels
Carousels just got a major upgrade. You can now include up to 20 photos or videos in a single post, up from the previous limit of 10. This opens up a world of storytelling possibilities for your brand.
Think of it as a mini-catalog right in your followers' feeds. You could showcase an entire product line, walk users through a step-by-step tutorial, or tell a compelling brand story across multiple slides.
Use the first image as a "cover" to grab attention, then dive deeper into details in the following slides. This hooks viewers and encourages them to swipe through your entire carousel.
Mix up your content types – combine eye-catching visuals with informative text slides to keep your audience engaged throughout.
2. Multiple Links in Bio
You can now add up to five clickable links.
This feature is a game-changer for businesses with multiple offerings or campaigns running simultaneously.
You could link to your main website, a current promotion, your latest blog post, a newsletter sign-up, and a charity initiative— all from your bio.
The key here is strategic prioritization. Place your most important or time-sensitive link at the top. Update these links regularly to keep your profile fresh and relevant.
3. Post Scheduling
Time management just got easier with Instagram's native post-scheduling feature. You can now plan and schedule your content up to 75 days in advance, right from the app.
This feature is a lifesaver for maintaining a consistent posting schedule, which is important to keep your audience engaged and grow your following.
To maximize this feature, analyze your Instagram Insights to identify when your audience is most active. Schedule your posts for these peak times to maximize engagement.
Don't just set it and forget it, though. While scheduling helps with consistency, stay flexible. Be ready to pivot your content strategy if a trending topic or timely event provides an opportunity for your brand to join the conversation.
4. Notes
Instagram Notes offer a new way to share quick thoughts or updates with your close friends or followers. Think of them as tweet-like messages that appear at the top of the Direct Message inbox or your profile picture for 24 hours.
For businesses, Notes can be a powerful feature for creating a sense of exclusivity and fostering closer connections with your audience.
Use them to share limited-time offers, behind-the-scenes snippets, or quick polls to gauge customer preferences.
The ephemeral nature of Notes creates a sense of urgency. You could use this to drive quick actions, like "First 10 people to DM us get a special discount!"
Final Thoughts
As Instagram continues to evolve, staying on top of these new features is important for maintaining an effective marketing strategy on the platform.
At
Kreative Machinez, we understand the importance of adapting to these changes and leveraging them for our clients' success.
Our team of social media experts is here to help you navigate these new features and integrate them seamlessly into your Instagram marketing strategy.
Contact us today and let our team level up your Instagram marketing game.
