Instagram Updates 2019

With almost a billion active users, Instagram has become the world’s most popular social media platform.  Instagram first started as a simple platform which allowed people to share photos, but over the years, it has grown to become one among the most popular apps in the world.  To cope with the ever increasing popularity, Instagram is constantly changing, adding new features, removing some old features and switching up their algorithm. With every update the app has something new to offer to its users.

At this year’s F8 Conference, Instagram made announcements for some major changes it is going to bring to the app.  Here is a list of a few of them:

1) Instagram Stories camera

The first new Instagram feature is a refurbished camera with a new camera mode called “Create.”  

The new camera will feature a mode switcher which will make it easier to find all the creative tools.  In the Camera mode, you can swipe right to access all the different shooting modes like Boomerang, Rewind and Superzoom.  When you swipe left, you can access all the creative tools like stickers and GIFs.

2) Hidden like count

Instagram announced it is testing a new feature which will hide the number of likes on your photos.

According to Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, this new feature can take away the pressure people feel to get more likes on their posts.  With the test, Instagram plans to remove the total number of likes from photos and videos which show up on your page.  It will only show a call out of the people who have liked the photo but not the exact number of likes. However, on demand, the owner of the photo or video will be able to see the total number of likes.  

3) Users can now buy products from their favourite Instagram influencers

Influencers are a huge part of Instagram and they can drive massive sales for brands.

The new Instagram update will let creators tag the products they are wearing or using on Instagram.  This link will directly take users to the product page for instant checkout.

This new Instagram feature could be a big game changer for brands working with influencers.

4) All new creator profiles

Just like business profiles, influencers will now be able to switch to creator profiles.

This feature will give them access to some exclusive features and in depth analysis.  They will also be able to access Instagram Creator Studio from desktop, which will have a wide range of analytics metrics.

5) Donation sticker for Instagram stories

With this new Donation sticker, it is much easier to raise money for non profit purposes from within the app.  

Simply open the camera, take a photo and select the Donation sticker.

You can then customize and select the cause you support and upload the story.  Hundred percent of the money you raise will go to the causes you support.

6) Force posts from influencers into your feed

Instagram is now going to show posts from influencers in your feed even if you do not follow them.

Typically, Instagram shows posts from people you follow in your feed along with some ads.  However, this is going to change with the next Instagram update. Apparently, influencers can pay to promote their branded content and they will appear in your feed.  Instagram confirmed, these paid posts will appear in your feed and your stories in the coming weeks.

This year, Instagram has brought some great features our way and at the F8 Conference, Instagram also mentioned it is testing some features like “Away Mode” and “Nudge.”

While these updates might be extremely beneficial for influencers and businesses, we will have to wait and see how these updates will be received by the regular Instagram users.