Utilizing Instagram effectively can significantly benefit your business growth, but it demands consistent effort and attention. Running a business requires juggling numerous responsibilities, which might lead to missing out on valuable Instagram features designed to further amplify your business expansion.

This article aims to bridge that gap by highlighting the top 10 Instagram features introduced in 2021, all of which hold immense potential for enhancing your Instagram marketing strategy:

1. Professional Dashboard
2. Live Rooms
3. Remix Reels
4. Stories caption stickers
5. Updates to Insights
6. Algorithm shift
7. Algorithm explained
8. Black-owned category
9. Location Stories
10. Maps search We will delve into practical tips and tricks to maximize the utility of each feature, along with a glimpse into an exciting upcoming addition! Let’s dive right in.

Feature #1: Professional Dashboard

The Professional Dashboard, launched in January 2021, empowers businesses to monitor performance, access valuable resources, and foster growth. Instagram’s Professional Dashboard feature offers insights into audience interaction and optimal posting times based on follower activity. It also provides access to branded content tools and valuable tips to ensure sustained business success on Instagram.

To make the most of the Professional Dashboard, consider these tips:

• Stay Informed: Utilize the aptly named section “Stay Informed” within the Professional Dashboard. This section offers insights from fellow content creators on crafting compelling and engaging content for your target audience.
• Sell Your Products: Streamline product sales by setting up a dedicated shop section on your profile, enabling existing and potential customers to purchase directly from your social media page. Once your shop is set up, you can tag shoppable products in your posts and Stories, simplifying the purchase process for your followers. (Explore more about social shopping here!)
• Post Strategically: Leverage the “Most Active Times” data found under “See All Insights” to determine the optimal time to reach your audience. Aim to post approximately 15 minutes before the peak engagement period for maximum impact.

Image source You might also find value in our “Complete Guide to Instagram Analytics”.

Feature #2: Live Rooms

Introduced in March 2021, Live Rooms revolutionized Instagram Live by enabling multi-account participation in a single session. This feature allows collaboration with teammates, colleagues, influencers, businesses, vendors, and even customers.

Image source Here are some ways to leverage Live Rooms:

• Expand Participation: Invite up to three additional users to join your live video, fostering interactive panel discussions, engaging conversations, or rotating participant segments. As long as you and the invited account follow each other, they can seamlessly join the session.
• Experiment with Micro-Podcasts: Repurpose Live Rooms as a platform for bite-sized podcast episodes, offering tutorials, hosting Q&A sessions, or even creating a talk-show format. The possibilities are limitless!
• Engage by Joining Existing Live Videos: For those who find hosting daunting, participating in another user’s Live Room presents an excellent alternative for engagement and exposure. This approach allows interaction with a new potential audience and can even lead to gaining followers from the host’s account. For further inspiration, explore these “8 Tips to Create Incredible Instagram Live Videos”.

Feature #3: Remix Reels

Introduced in April 2021, Remix Reels empowers users to interact with existing Reels in innovative ways.

Image source Here’s how to utilize Remix Reels effectively:

• Integrate Existing Reels into Your Content: Remix Reels offers a playground for creativity. Enhance existing Reels by expanding on their themes, creating duets, or adding humorous commentary – all tailored to your audience’s preferences. You have the flexibility to create content within the app or upload existing videos (an advantage over TikTok).
• Reach a Wider Audience: When you remix someone’s Reel, they receive a notification. If they choose to share your remix, your content gains exposure to their followers, expanding your reach. Note: If the remix option isn’t visible after selecting the three dots on a Reel, the creator has likely disabled this feature.
• Fine-Tune Your Audio: Ensure your audio is integrated seamlessly by adjusting the three lines at the top of the screen before proceeding. For more inspiration, explore our “20 Instagram Reels Ideas to Build Your Brand!”.

Feature #4: Stories Caption Stickers

April 2021 also saw the introduction of caption stickers for Stories, a convenient feature that automatically transcribes spoken words into text.

Image source Here’s how to use caption stickers strategically:

• Enhance Accessibility and Engagement: Did you know 40% of people aren’t watching video with the sound on? This presents an opportunity to broaden your audience. By using caption stickers, you cater to viewers who prefer or require captions, potentially increasing engagement.
• Craft Concise Messages: Caption stickers function optimally with videos of 15 seconds or less. Tailor your message accordingly, delivering key information within this time frame.
• Review for Accuracy: While the feature is generally accurate, it’s always advisable to review and edit the auto-generated captions for any inaccuracies. Seeking to master Instagram Stories? Explore these insightful resources:
• “Shopping for Instagram Stories is Here”
• “6 Epic Instagram Story Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner”
• “Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Story Ads”

Feature #5: Updates to Insights

Beyond specific features, Instagram has also implemented platform-wide enhancements to benefit content creators. These updates largely center around providing richer Reels and IG Live, facilitating more meaningful interactions with their followers.

• Leverage Reels and Live Insights: These insights offer valuable feedback after publishing a Reel or concluding a Live session. They provide data on audience preferences, highlighting what resonated and what didn’t. Additionally, they offer insights into Instagram’s algorithmic push, indicating whether your Reel was promoted based on engagement potential and compliance. Utilize this information to refine your future content strategy.
• Extend Your Analysis: The updated Insights now allow tracking data over an extended period of 60 days, eliminating the need for third-party tools for analyzing long-term trends.
• Prioritize Accounts Reached: Within the Insights Overview, pay close attention to the “Accounts Reached” section. This section provides a breakdown of your follower and non-follower reach, indicating the types of content generating the most traction. Use this data to either replicate successful strategies or experiment with content formats that require improvement.

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Feature #6: Instagram Algorithm Shift

While not a feature in itself, this update is equally significant. Instagram’s latest algorithm prioritizes engaging and entertaining video content. In June 2021, Instagram announced a move away from prioritizing recycled content from other platforms like TikTok. Before this change, users reportedly missed out on 70% of their posts and a significant portion of their friends’ posts. Here’s how to adapt:

• Pair Videos with Longer Captions: This approach has been observed to foster engagement and interaction, prompting viewers to engage more deeply with your content instead of just scrolling.
• Maintain Brand Consistency: Utilize branded intros and outros for your videos. This reinforces your brand identity and ensures a cohesive visual experience for viewers.
• Incorporate Music Strategically: Opt for copyright-free music that aligns with the tone and message of your video. Upbeat music complements exciting announcements, while calmer melodies suit more serious content.
• Post When Competition is Low: Experiment with posting in the early morning hours when competition for attention is lower, potentially leading to higher engagement rates. Learn more about optimal posting times on Instagram here. For more social media content ideas and valuable resources, head over to our Social Media Marketing Lab!

Feature #7: Instagram Explains How Its Algorithm Works

This is another noteworthy update that sheds light on Instagram’s inner workings. exactly how their algorithm works is now less of a mystery. For a deeper understanding, refer to these 9 Ways to Show Up in the Instagram Feed [New Info!]. Here are some key takeaways:

• Prioritize Reels: Regularly publishing Reels can significantly boost your organic reach, extending beyond your existing network. Focus on creating concise, engaging Reels to maximize impact without overextending your resources. Studies suggest that Reels receive significantly two times the reach compared to standard posts and tend to have a longer lifespan on the platform.

  

• Reduce Hashtag Reliance: Hashtags are becoming less influential. As Instagram’s algorithm becomes more adept at identifying keywords and understanding content context (learn more about Instagram SEO here), it relies less on hashtags for categorization. Consider reducing your hashtag usage from 30 to around 15 or even fewer.

• Embrace Video and Shopping: Instagram’s shift in focus towards video and shopping is undeniable. CEO of Instagram clearly indicates this evolution, emphasizing that Instagram is no longer solely a photo-sharing app. While photos remain relevant, the algorithm now prioritizes videos and product-focused content. Embrace this shift by exploring more creative and engaging approaches beyond static images. In line with this, explore these relevant resources:

• “13 Tips for Creating More Effective Instagram Video Ads”

• “How to Create Captivating Instagram Videos”

Feature #8: Black-owned Business Label

This feature reflects Instagram’s commitment to inclusivity and supporting underrepresented businesses. Instagram highlights the growing support for Black-owned businesses: “Last summer through fall, over 1.3 million Instagram posts supported “Black-owned” or “Black-led” businesses. The number of US-based businesses including “Black-owned” or “Black-led” in their profiles surged by over 50%.” Here’s how to engage with this feature:

• Show Your Support: This feature simplifies the process of discovering and supporting Black-owned businesses. Engage with their content and consider making purchases to contribute to their success.
• Self-Identify Your Business (If Applicable): If your business is Black-owned, update your profile settings to be featured under “Black-Owned Shopping.” For detailed instructions, refer to the Instagram Help Center.
• Explore Partnership Opportunities: Even if your business isn’t Black-owned, you can still contribute to the 15% Pledge. Utilize this feature to identify potential Black-owned businesses for collaborations and partnerships.

Feature #9: Location Stories Make a Comeback!

Removed in October 2020 due to election-related precautions, this feature made a welcome return a year later. Location Stories empower users to discover and engage with Stories published by accounts in their vicinity, offering a valuable tool for local social media marketing.

Feature #10: Maps Search

September 2021 marked the introduction of the in-app Map Search feature. This functionality allows users to discover nearby businesses, including shops, venues, and cafes, directly on Instagram. Tapping on a map listing provides additional business information, such as operating hours, address, pricing, a link to their Instagram profile, and public posts tagged at that location.

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Bonus Feature: Ads in the Shop Tab

Staying true to its commitment to video and shopping, Instagram is currently testing a feature that will allow businesses to display shoppable single-image or carousel ads within the Shop Tab.

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Keeping Up with Instagram Updates

Instagram consistently introduces new features and updates. While staying current might seem daunting, the key is to incorporate changes gradually. Focus on integrating one new feature or tip per week or even per month into your Instagram marketing strategy. A valuable resource for tracking the latest updates is Embed Social’s Instagram Features & Updates. By staying informed, you can leverage these new tools to enhance audience engagement and drive sales for your business!