This year, Instagram has rolled out some pretty exciting new updates and features to enhance your experience on the platform. From expanding link options to adding new editing tools, Instagram is continually evolving to meet the needs of users. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at what these new features include. 

1. Add multiple links to your bio

This has been a long time coming, finally allowing users to add up to 5 links in their bio without having to use a third-party tool like Linktree. To add these links, simply go to your profile, click edit, and then tap links. You can add both a link and a title for the link. You can also edit and rearrange the order of your links if there is a particular URL that you want to show at the top. The first link remains visible on the profile, additional links are listed in a popover. This is a really beneficial update for brands and creators because it offers a solution to include links to their services or shops as well as to their social media profiles and blogs.

2. New reels trends and editing tools

So let’s start with reel trends. Instagram will be adding a dedicated section for you to discover the latest trending reels. You will be able to see top trending songs and audio along with how many times they’ve been used. In addition to this, you’ll also be able to see what the top trending topics and hashtags are on Reels, so you can use this data to inform your own reel’s strategy. Instagram has also enhanced its reel editing tools making it simpler to add videos, text, music, and various effects to your Reels and allowing you to produce more engaging and high-quality content. 

3. Expansion of gifts and new reels insights

Instagram has expanded the availability of gifts for creators in select countries, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, France, New Zealand, and the UK. What exactly does this mean? Well, essentially, this expansion of gifts gives creators new monetization opportunities, by activating the gift option and engaging with their fans on a more personal level. In addition to this, the enhancement of reel insights ensures that creators have access to comprehensive performance data, empowering them to analyze and optimize their reel content for maximum impact and effectiveness.

4. Meta Verified

Earlier this year, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta would be rolling out a new product, Meta Verified across their Facebook and Instagram platforms. This service allows users to pay to have their accounts verified, offering an added layer of protection against impersonation and ensuring their identities are safeguarded. To verify their accounts, users can now upload a government-issued ID like a passport or driver’s license, streamlining the verification process. While the initial announcement mentioned increased reach for verified accounts, this aspect was later removed. If you want my in-depth explanation of Meta Verified, including how to get verified and my opinion on whether it’s worth the investment for brands, you watch my full video on the topic here. 

5. Instagram Broadcast Channels

Instagram’s new Broadcast Channels feature allows creators to establish a direct messaging space for seamless communication with their most dedicated followers. This feature not only enables brands and creators to share their latest news and updates with followers but also acts as a dedicated community-building space. Unfortunately, this feature is currently available only in the US, but hopefully, it will be rolled out to the rest of the world soon as it has great potential for strengthening connections between brands and their followers.

With these exciting new updates and features, Instagram is continuing to evolve as a dynamic platform catering to the needs of its diverse user base. This is really important for them to do in order to stay relevant and competitive in a fast-changing digital world. By doing so, Instagram will remain a powerful platform for marketers and brand owners to connect with their audience and drive results. 

If you found value in this post and want to learn more about how you can work 1:1 with me to master Instagram marketing so you can reach more dream clients and customers, without the overwhelmed, click here to apply for a free strategy call with me where we can chat more about what it would look like to work together! 

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