Transcript
Is this guy (Instagram head, Adam Mosseri) stressing you out every week with new Instagram updates? Well, you're not alone. Trying to keep up with platform changes can be super overwhelming.
So let's break down some of the biggest Instagram feature updates that you might have missed.
Instagram Feature #1: Reels Templates
In case you missed it, Instagram recently introduced a game-changing new feature: Instagram Reels Templates. With this feature, you can drop your own videos or photos into a timestamped template that is then synced to a trending audio. This is so much easier than having to manually adjust and guess the length of each clip.
There are two ways to access the feature.
First, Reels Templates are only available for Reels with multiple clips that have been edited together within Instagram. So if a video has been edited outside of Instagram, you're unfortunately out of luck.
If the template is available, you'll see a "Use Template" sticker icon above the name of the creator of the Reel.
You can also head to the Reels tab, tap the Camera icon, and slide to the Templates tab in the video editor to see your options.
Instagram Feature #2: Grid Pinning
Back in June, Instagram rolled out grid pinning. And honestly, we don't see enough accounts using it. You can pin up to three posts at the top of your profile, and it's a super easy way to instantly highlight your most valuable content.
We use this feature on Later's Instagram to highlight three areas: our latest product release, a sample of our best-performing content that gives new followers a taste of what they can expect when they follow us, and a piece of educational content that's valuable to our target audience.
Pinned posts are a great way to introduce your brand to new followers, and it also lets your best content shine. So don't sleep on this feature. To pin a post, simply click on the post you'd like to pin and tap the three small dots in the top right-hand corner and click Pin to your Profile. Super easy.
Instagram Feature #3: Dual Camera
Now when you open up the Instagram app to record a video on Stories, you can simultaneously use the phone's front and back camera to record a video of both perspectives, like this!
And if you think this feature bears a striking resemblance to another social media app, you're not mistaken. Instagram announced they're testing a new feature called Candid Challenges, which is Instagram's own take on the BeReal app that will send you random notifications and a two-minute countdown to snap a photo to share with your friends.
Instagram Feature #4: New Instagram Maps
This one might have flown over your radar, but Instagram's newest search map update got a big makeover. Instagram has a new map feature that lets you see the most popular spots in your area and view local stories people have posted.
You can also use Instagram's map to bookmark locations you want to visit, share them with friends, or include the location in a guide that shows up on your profile and their location page.
Instagram Feature #5: Instagram Subscriptions' New Features
In the past, content creators had to partner with brands or use affiliate links to make money on Instagram. But with Instagram Subscriptions, creators can monetize content by putting some of it behind a paywall in the form of a monthly subscription.
Once a creator sets up the Subscription feature, users will be able to see a Subscribe button on the profile where they can access exclusive content. It's a bit early to see how well this feature is working for creators, but it does have the potential to be a game-changer for monetizing content without Instagram taking a cut of your profit.
And there you have it: five recent Instagram features you might have missed. Which feature will you be using the most this year? Let us know in the comments. And don't forget to check out the Later blog for all the latest breaking social media news. See you later.
