New Instagram Features You Need to Know // Social Media Perth

Status update. Where have we seen that before?

New Instagram features are always being added to the platform, but the latest changes are interesting enough to get more than a few people talking.

Social media is all about retention and keeping users on the platform for as long as possible, and that’s why most social media platforms seem to have an endless stream of new features dropping.

While the term ‘new’ is undoubtedly being used loosely here, as most new features are simply imitations of what other platforms are already doing, it’s still important to stay updated when things change.

TLDR; Here’s what’s happening…

Let’s take a look at all of the latest Instagram changes that you need to know 👇

10-minute Instagram Reels

Are you desperate for longer content on your short-form content platforms? While you might be in the minority, you’re in luck.

Instagram has confirmed that they are testing the ability to upload Reels up to 10 minutes in length.

Sharing Stories with your Close Friends list has been a feature on Instagram for a while now. However, the ability to share feed posts with your Close Friends may soon make its way to the platform.

Audio and clips in Notes

Audio notes are already extremely popular on Messenger, so it makes sense that the feature would eventually make its way to Instagram. Instagram is testing the ability to add audio clips and music in Notes.

Add Music to Carousels

Carousels are a fantastic feature on Instagram, and they just got even better! If sharing multiple photos or videos wasn’t enough for you, Instagram has added the option to add music to Carousel posts. If you ask us, this Instagram change is long overdue.

If you see it on TikTok, you can bet your bottom dollar that it will eventually make its way to Instagram. As such, Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to share comments on their Stories and Reels and respond to them. You know, exactly like you have been able to do on TikTok for more than a while now.

Rumoured Meta Verified Feed

While Instagram denies the existence of any such feed, some code was recently leaked stating “Instagram Meta Verified Feed Filter”.

Would you pay for the privilege of an exclusive feed for verified accounts? Is that even a good idea? Only time will tell.

Chat status

We’re all guilty of ignoring the odd message that we don’t quite feel like responding to right away, and there’s nothing worse than accidentally opening a message before you’re mentally prepared to respond.

In good news, Instagram is testing the ability to disable the dreaded “Seen” that appears after you’ve read a message. Phew!

More metrics

Remember when Instagram removed the ability to see post likes because they felt guilty about ruining the mental health of entire generations? Well, a monumental backflip could be on the cards, as the platform is testing the ability to show the number of shares, comments and likes on feed posts. This is one Instagram change we’re not sure about.

Add music to Instagram photos. New Instagram features

Add music to still photos

If you’ve been using Instagram for a while now, you’ll surely be no stranger to adding music to videos and Reels. However, thanks to a new feature, users can now add music to photo-only posts.

The powers that be over at Instagram see value and engagement in music on the platform, but only time will tell if music translates to still images in the same way it does to video.

Reels achievements

While Reels achievements aren’t available to all users yet, it’s one of the new Instagram features designed to increase users’ time on the app.

Like Snapstreaks, Reels achievements encourage users to try different Reels features to reach goals that unlock achievements. Think of it like gamification without actually playing a game.

Here are a few ways you can unlock Reels achievements:

Collaborate with other users using Instagram Collabs or remix a Reel (Collaborator achievement)
Use interactive Stickers in your Reels
Use trending audio and effects in your Reel (Trendspotter achievement)
Post more than none Reel in a week (Creative streak achievement)

Leave a note with profile status

Have you noticed people leaving notes on Instagram recently? It’s one of the new Instagram features called ‘profile status’.

Like a Facebook status, profile status allows users to set a status update. However, unlike a status update on Facebook, profile status updates on Instagram only stay active for 24 hours.

Add a message to Instagram posts

The next of the new Instagram features is exclusive to business accounts—a handy feature for businesses looking to motivate people to get in touch with them. By adding a message button to your post, Instagram will place a button at the bottom of your posts, making it simple for people to send you a direct message.