After receiving backlash for their introduction of algorithmic, recommended content in feeds, Instagram has initiated the roll-out of a number of new features, making it easier for users to stay up to date with their real-world friends again.
Candid Stories
Instagram are currently testing a new ‘Candid Stories’ feature. A candid can be captured from the stories camera, the multi-author story at the top of the feed, or from a daily notification reminder that starts after your first candid. The stories are only visible to others who also share their own candids.
The ability to share spontaneous, authentic photos with those who do the same– as well as a daily reminder notification to do so – mirrors much of what the popular new BeReal app does.
Notes
The new ‘Notes’ feature takes inspiration from Twitter as it allows users to post disappearing text and emojis with a 60-character limit.
Notes are shown in the DM section and work similarly to stories by allowing you to share them with followers or close friends, as well as having replies arriving as DMs.
Users can leave notes by going to the top of their inbox, selecting the followers they follow back or others from their ‘Close Friends’ list.
Pass it on
Last year Instagram launched the ‘Add Yours’ feature, which encourages others to participate in your trend by sharing their own variation.
Instagram is now introducing an update to this feature where you can specifically invite friends to participate by tapping ‘pass it on’ when you see a trend you think they would like.
This new feature aims to replicate TikTok where users participate in trends by posting their own take.
Group Profiles
Group Profiles are a new type of profile on Instagram allowing users to share posts and stories in a shared profile with their friends. Posts shared to a Group Profile are shared with group members rather than followers and only gets posted to the Group Profile, not your personal profile.
Previously, these accounts could only be managed by select individuals with an account login. This new update to Group Profiles has the potential to generate greater participation from users as it reduces the barrier to posting.
Collaborative Collections
Collaborative Collections is a new feature, allowing users to connect over a shared interest by saving posts with friends in group or individual chats.
Users can start or add to a collaborative collection by saving a post directly from their feed or sharing a post to a friend via DM and saving it from there.
Contradicting their previous updates, these new features renew the focus on making Instagram, Instagram again by giving people back what they have been asking for from Instagram for a while – to connect with friends.
Test out the new features for yourself. Our experience is that the social media platforms tend to reward early adopters of new features with improved performance such as reach, impressions and engagements – and let’s face it who’s organic social media doesn’t need a little boost at the moment?
If you need help with your social media, our specialised team at Purple Giraffe are just a phone call away – get in touch with us today! Call 08 8425 2970.
