Instagram Features for 2022
If you’re like me, you probably feel like everyday there is a new feature on Instagram. And it is hard to keep up!
Good news – I looked Into what to expect for Q1 and 2022 so that you can be ahead of the game and know what’s coming and how to use it to your advantage.
The head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, has shared that they will be focusing heavily on Video, Creators, and Teens. Expect to see a lot of changes and integrations in this area.
This is an image of the avatar I created of myself on Instagram
AVATARS
Perhaps one of THE most exciting new features, I’m excited to see where this one takes us.
The online space is changing as we know it. With plans for the metaverse, a virtual reality where we can interact with others, this is an opportunity to create a more immersive experience now. As Adam Mosseri has stated, consider your avatar a building block towards this next phase.
With your avatar, you’ll be able to change the outfit, carry your digital goods, and create a visual representation of YOU.
For now, this feature will only be available over DMs and stories on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram.
To check if you have this feature, simply go to your profile > menu > settings > account > avatar. It’s a very easy process to create one.
This is also a great option potentially for someone who is a bit more camera shy.
Image belongs to Instagram
FEED CHANGES
We found out at the end of last year, that the way we experience Instagram is changing. With the introduction of three ways to view content, it had many of worried how that would influence engagement on the app. According to Adam Mosseri, the Head of Intagram, the new integration is meant to give you more control over the experience you have on the app.
Here are the 3 new types of feeds:
Home: What we know today. Content is ranked based on interest.
Favorites: A list of accounts you don’t want to miss things from. This could be a favorite account, family, and friends.
Following: A Chronological feed of posts in real time. You’ll see the very latest by the accounts you already follow.
While yes, this may change how we post and engage, remember, just because the option is there, doesn’t mean everyone will jump on it. Client experience is crucial. You want people to enjoy the time they have interacting, especially on Instagram where you want people to stay on the app. So, overall, I feel this is a good move and I’m curious to see how it pans out as we learn more.
The full experience should launch in the first half of 2022.
Image belongs to Adam Mosseri and Instagram. Resource is linked below.
RAISING THE STANDARD FOR PROTECTING TEENS & SUPPORTING PARENTS ONLINE
This one is exciting and I wish that we had this when I was a teen. It’s exciting to see Instagram take a huge interest in improving this for those under 18.
Here’s what they are doing
Stricter on what they recommend in search, explore, hashtags, and suggested accounts
Unable to tag or mention a teen that isn’t following you
Introduce new topics if a teen has spent a lot of time on a particular one
Introduction of “Take a Break;” a reminder that suggests to take a break if you’ve been scrolling for a specific amount of time. You’ll also be able to set up an allotted time to tell you when you’ve reached your limit. This feature is currently in the US, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
An introduction of an educational hub for parents and guardians to get involved in their kids experience and learn more about social media. Expect to see more in March 2022.
There will be an option for a teen to notify their parents if they have to report someone to IG.
This is an example of what a scheduled LIVE looks like on my profile
SCHEDULING A LIVE
This is a feature we were introduced to at the end of 2021, and now we’ve been given even more!
If you go into stories, click on “schedule live,” it will automatically appear on your profile! That means, if someone were to visit, they can see when your next live is and set a reminder without having to read your posts or view your stories. You can also take it a step further and share it as a post! I’m personally excited for this feature!
With how fast online can move, this is a great opportunity to remind others what’s happening within your business.
Image belongs to Instagram
SUBSCRIPTIONS
This one is focused on “creators” and how Instagram will continue to support them to make a predictable income. It will be tested within the US first and eventually roll out to much larger audiences.
When a follower subscribes and pays, you’ll be able to go LIVE and share to your stories exclusively for them (just like the “close friends” list). Your subscriber will earn a purple badge too showing that they have subscribed to your page.
Without having this feature myself, it’s hard to know how this feature will pan out. With that said, with the little information we do know, it sounds like it may be useful for a lead generation, potentially consistent income, and cultivating a raving community.
It may also influence the type of services and/or products we offer for paid subscribers.
So I’m curious, which feature are you most excited for? Tell me in the comments!
SOURCES
Mosseri, A. (2021, December 7). New ways we're protecting teens on Instagram: Instagram blog. Instagram. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/raising-the-standard-for-protecting-teens-and-supporting-parents-online
Mosseri, A (2021, December 28). 2022 Priorities. Instagram. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://www.instagram.com/p/CYCWNztgL6v/
Mosseri, A (2022, February 2.) Avatar updates. Instagram. Retrieved February 5, 2022, from https://www.instagram.com/p/CZe7TfGgyFU/
Mosseri, A (2022, January 26). New Features. Instagram. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://www.instagram.com/p/CZM-O4XAWSH/
Mosseri, A (2022, January 19). Subscriptions. Instagram. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://www.instagram.com/p/CY6-dy5AGoR/
Mosseri, A (2022, January 5). Testing Feed Changes. Instagram. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://www.instagram.com/p/CYWvRc9gZ9L/