Nine New Instagram Features Marketers Need to Know

What's Happening 

Instagram quietly added a bunch of new features over the past month. Most are minor tweaks, but some I’m ecstatic about!

Use it for Your Business

Here’s a rundown of nine new features you need to know and how to use them for your business. I ordered them from most useful to least.

1. Scheduling posts in the app
Instagram keeps promising this will be rolled out to everyone. In a recent Reel, the head of Instagram says it’s “coming soon.” You’ll be able to schedule posts in the app up to 75 days in advance. I’m crossing my fingers this will also include Reels.

2. Instagram live producer
Instagram is adding the ability to go live from your computer!! This is an absolute game changer for the quality of the live experience. You could use third-party streaming services, web cameras, and microphones.

3. Add topics to Reels
Before you post a Reel, you’re given the option to select up to three topics to categorize your Reel. In addition to hashtags, adding topics helps the algorithm categorize your content.

4. Add mentions to Stories after posting
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to delete a Story and start over because I forgot to tag someone in it! This new feature is a God send for this dilemma. Simply click the three dots on any Story published within the last 24 hours and hit “Add mention” to tag another account in the Story.

5. Notes messages
The Notes feature is baffling to me. I discovered it in an Instagram blog post; however, I have never had access to it on any account I manage. Apparently, you can write up to 60 characters to be published as a note on the top of your DM inbox. Responses are sent to your DMs. So, it’s like a little Post-It note announcement. They disappear after 24 hours and can only be sent to those who you follow and who are also following you. Notes would be a fantastic way to get people’s attention!

6. Expanding subscriptions
I’m always in favor of more ways to make money by serving your people well! Previously only available to a select few, subscriptions have now been expanded to more countries and all accounts within those countries. Creators can now offer exclusive content to those who subscribe for a fee.

7. Instagram.com updates
The Internet browser interface of Instagram got a lovely makeover. The website now more closely resembles the in-app experience. And it has been tuned to work well with wide-screen monitors. My favorite is being able to type out responses to comments or DMs on a keyboard – so much faster than my thumbs!

8. @everyone in group DMs
If anyone in the group has silenced their notifications, this will cut through and give them a notification. Simply type “@everyone” at the beginning of your DM in the group chat.

9. Add music to posts
You can add music to any post, even a still photo. There is an "add music" feature after loading your content. While not the most useful feature, it’s a nice way to set the vibe of your post like you did with your 2005 MySpace page. 😉 The feature is still rolling out. If you don’t have it yet, you will soon!

Relevancy Rating

Just because it's new doesn't mean it's worth your time: Is using the new Instagram features worth your time?

Maybe: I give it 3 out of 5 thumbs up.

Some of these could be big timesavers, but most are just nice to have. I’m glad Instagram is showing dedication to improvement!

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