Cutting Through The Nonsense: The New Instagram Updates You Need to Know

These days, keeping up with new Instagram updates can feel like an uphill battle. 

In the ever expanding world of social media, platforms like Instagram are constantly providing users with new features, cool updates, and endless tips on how to make the most of their app. Yet, at what point do these updates become all too much? 

Instagram has released so many new features in the past year, that users are left confused and lost at what the app is actually all about. To make matters worse, the platform continuously releases confusing and contradictory information on its personal account. 

So, what updates should you care about? What advice should you be listening to? And, whereis Instagram headed? 

Read on to find out all the most important new Instagram updates. 

IMPORTANT NEW INSTAGRAM UPDATES 2024

Of the many updates coming out of Instagram HQ, which ones should you be keeping an eye on? 

Read below to find out the top new Instagram updates today that have users talking. 

New algorithm 

Out of all the new Instagram updates, its changes to its algorithm are by far the most worthy of note. 

Traditionally, Instagram’s algorithm has treated creators in an unequal manner, with bigger accounts getting much more reach in recommendations. In contrast, smaller content creators have fallen behind, hidden in the crowd. With Instagram updates, the platform is seeking to change this, and create a more equal app for all. To do so, it is making four major changes: a new ranking that favours smaller creators, labels that credit the original creator to content that is reposted, reposts will be replaced by original content in recommendations, and taking content aggregators out of recommendations.

@milajaye

‼️Instagram algorithm UPDATE explained! how smaller creators now have the chance to blow up on Instagram in 2024📈 #instagramtips #instagramgrowth #instagramalgorithm #greenscreen #greenscreenvideo

♬ original sound – JAYE | social media

Memes

One of the more intriguing new Instagram updates, the app is in the midst of experimenting with a new way to participate in trending memes. 

Looking to harness the power of meme culture, the platform is hoping to get people posting more by making it easier to engage with memes in the app. Instagram is working on a brand new ‘Memes’ feature, which would allow users to add trending meme elements into their Reels and content. The result is a rather CapCut looking dashboard, enabling users to place animated memes over the top of their Reels. If Instagram is able to keep up with high-speed meme culture and provide users with an ever relevant array of meme options, the feature could be incredibly popular, allowing users to directly engage with memes within the app rather than having to exit it to create their own meme content. 

Non-skippable ads 

As part of its many new Instagram updates, the platform is developing a new feature, “ad break”. The latest update would halt users from scrolling past advertisements, forcing them to watch the ad in its entirety. The ads will feature a small timer, showing the user how much time they had left before they were set free. Meta claimed that the move is intended to help boost advertisers, saying, “we’re always testing formats that can drive value for advertisers” and that these “ad solutions [are] in line with evolving consumer trends and business needs”. Perhaps this update may draw advertisers into the platform, but it certainly will not please users. 

@maggieschan

#stitch with @Marketing with Sam Instagram is literally the worst. #artistsoftiktok #artiststruggles #artvideo #arttok

♬ original sound – Maggie l Artist

Story pets 

Several new Instagram updates are clear bids for upping engagement. 

This week, users discovered a new sticker for their stories called “Pals”. The feature allows users to adopt a small, Tamagotchi like pet and show it off in their stories. The more likes that users give Stories with the sticker, the more the pet will grow. It seems that users can also play with their friends’ pets too, by interacting with Stories. So far, it is not quite clear how exactly this new feature will work. Yet, at first glance, it seems likely that our Pokemon Go and Tamagotchi obsessed generation will quickly fall in love. However, will the cute pets be enough to mask the fact that the move is a clear plea by Instagram for more engagement? 

Peek Feature 

It seems Instagram is looking to dance on BeReal’s grave. The platform is supposedly developing a new feature called “Peek”, which would give users the option to share a quick pic of themselves with their friends. The feature takes after BeReal’s manifest, encouraging users to post a spur of the moment, unedited, unfiltered photo of their lives. “Peek” will allow users to capture a one-take photo and share it with friends, who will be able to see the image just once.  Given that BeReal was unable to sustain its audience, many are wondering if “Peek” has what it takes. Perhaps, with Instagram’s large, existing audience, it may make the pay grade.

@thesocialshepherdagency

Instagram is testing a NEW ‘Peek’ feature | Full Episode OUT NOW 🎙️ #socialmedia #socialmediamarketing #instagram #socialmediaupdates #socialmediaadvice #socialmediatips

♬ original sound – The Social Shepherd

NEW INSTAGRAM UPDATES: WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

For some time now, Instagram has used its account to highlight tips and tricks, and help creators make the most of the app. 

Yet, users and creators alike have frequently found themselves befuddled by the advice Instagram provides them. Multiple instances have occurred where Instagram has posted an advice carousel, only to quickly scrub it from its account. 

The most famous example of this occurred when the platform released a post that told creators to “stop crying over reach and followers”. The post, which was seemingly created with the intention of providing creators with helpful information, instead sparked outrage. The account quickly removed the controversial carousel. 

Since then, Instagram has continued to preach divisive and often controversial “advice”. 

For example, the platform presented a slide at a creator event last month that explicitly told creators not to post Reels over 90 seconds lest they hurt their distribution. Yet, just last week, Instagram published a video that explained to viewers how to best create Reels more than 90 seconds long. 

@genflow_

It’s official, Instagram has confirmed that posting Reels longer than 90 seconds will hurt your reach 📉 #instagramtips #instagramalgorithm #igtips #igalgorithm #contentcreator #contentstrategy #igstrategy

♬ original sound – Genflow

Not surprisingly, users were confused. 

It seems the point Instagram is trying to make is that you can post videos over 90 seconds, but their reach potential will be far less than shorter clips; as these longer posts are not eligible for recommendations in the Reels and Explore tabs. 

Continuing on their crusade of confusion, Instagram published a clip last week which recommended creators to steer clear of answer specific calls to action (CTA). The post was quickly deleted, but it stated that creators should not attempt to “hack engagement” by tactically using “shares, comments, tags or other actions”, as then the platform will not recommend it. 

The post quickly caused a wave of concern in creators, many of which engage with their audience in this manner. In response, Instagram re-uploaded the video, with plenty of further clarifications added in. 

In these further clarifications, Instagram has made it clear that users can still use third party apps such as ManyChat and CTAs to engage with their audiences. However, users trying to “hack” the platform and cheat engagement will not make it past the algorithm. 

How the platform will be able to differentiate between these two acts is yet to be determined.

@tjcreativesagency

What do you think of these new Instagram updates? #socialmediacoaching #socialmediatips #socialmediamanagement

♬ original sound – Social Media Tips

NEW INSTAGRAM UPDATES: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? 

Whilst Instagram may be confusing creators and users left right and centre, new Instagram updates seem to be placing the platform on the right path. 

Little quirks such as the “Pals” and “Peek” feature won’t completely reshape the app. These updates are more for fun than anything else, and creators should not tear their hair out in worry. Simply wait and see how your target audience reacts to these new features, and then decide whether or not to engage. 

However, new Instagram updates to its algorithm are worth a moment’s thought. 

It is essential that brands and creators ensure that they are aiming to appease the algorithm at all turns. This means focusing on original content and unique ideas; championing your individuality rather than losing your tone of voice in order to fit into trends. 

More than anything, be sure to take Instagram’s advice with a grain of salt. The platform is seeking to champion individuality, so stick to producing high quality, creative content that speaks to your target audience and you will be sure to succeed.

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