5 New Instagram Features to try in 2022
To remain competitive with TikTok, Instagram is rapidly rolling out new features to their platform. Check out the list below for some of these upgrades and how to use them.
1. Story Links
Story link stickers are the easiest way to drive traffic to external content and products on Instagram. The Instagram link sticker replaces the swipe up feature, letting users add an external link to an Instagram Story. This used to be an exclusive feature to those with 10,000+ Instagram followers but is now available to everyone. After creating an Instagram story, click on the sticker icon, then tap the “Link” sticker and enter the desired URL to have a link in your story.
2. Add Yours
Add Yours is a new sticker for Instagram stories. When you write a prompt and share it to your story, other users can respond to the prompt with their own slant. For example, if you create an “add yours” sticker to "Weekend Vibes outfit," other users can respond to it with a photo or video of their outfit. This feature tends to kickstart trends and challenges with the engagement it receives.
3. Story Auto-Captions
Knowing that 92% of consumers watch videos without sound, the new caption sticker feature is a game-changer. This feature automatically converts what someone says in a video into text so that users can watch without sound. Now, your audience can engage with your videos — with or without sound which makes your content overall more accessible.
4. Calendar Tool
Another new feature that is most useful if you have a business profile is the enhancements with the calendar tool. Instagram has extended the data tracking period within Instagram Insights to 90 days. This information is readily available within Insights.
5, Visual Replies on Reels
If you’re familiar with TikTok, you’re most likely adept with their reply function. You’re now able to make visual replies to comments within Instagram Reels which allows you to interact and respond to your followers. Just another way for Instagram Reels to stay competitive with TikTok.
While Instagram remains one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, new features allow for continued growth for the platform. It’s important to stay up to date on these trends to remain relevant when talking to your audience, so try these new features today!
