It’s an exciting year for businesses that are active on Instagram! The photo and video-sharing social network has announced some amazing new features for the platform that creators and business — big or small— will surely love.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in to the new IG features you should definitely use for your biz.
1. IGTV Ads
With IGTV ads, you get to maximise your ad campaign by having another venue to connect and be seen by your target audience. For creators, this is an excellent opportunity to finally earn an income from your amazing Insta content!
Did you know that videos get 38% more engagement than photos on Instagram? Why not make the most of it with an IGTV ad?
It’s time to put those creative juices to good use and start making 15-second long IGTV ads. Be sure that you’re creating a vertical video with an aspect ratio 9:16 OR if you prefer a horizontal video, use an aspect ratio of 16:9.
2. Messenger Rooms
Have you checked out your IG inbox yet? If you haven’t, you’re in for a surprise.
Instagram is bringing you and your tribe closer than ever with Messenger Rooms! You can now set up a video call straight from your IG app. The best part is, video call participants don’t need to have an Instagram or Messenger account. They can join through the link that will be provided when you set up a Messenger Room. You can add as many as 50 participants per call.
If you ask us, Messenger Rooms take out the formality of most video conferencing apps. They’re also very convenient to set up. Just click the video icon on your IG inbox and choose your participants.
3. Support Small Business Sticker
Instagram is extending a hand to small businesses across the globe with their Support Small Business sticker.
Encourage your followers and customers to use the sticker when tagging you on their IG Story. Additionally, you could create a Story and use the sticker to tag yourself as a subtle way of showing your followers that there’s a new option of tagging you.
4. Facebook Shop
Now you can set up your online store both on Facebook AND Instagram.
With a Facebook Shop on IG, you can create service or product catalogues that users can view, share, save, and even buy from. You can even tag products during an IG Live. This is handy considering that usage for Instagram Live has increased by 70% in recent months (in the US alone).
5. Live Shopping
While we’re talking about Instagram Live, you’d be happy to know that Instagram is also rolling out Live Shopping. If you’ve been thinking of ways to maximise your IG Live sessions, this is your opportunity!
Before going live, tag the products from your Facebook shop that you want to feature. When you go live, these products will be shown at the bottom of the screen. Your viewers can conveniently tap your Call-To-Action button to view the product, learn more about it, and purchase.
With these new features, there are even more reasons for businesses to be on Instagram and be active on the platform. Give these new features a spin and let us know how it goes!
