Instagram has become a powerful platform for marketers to connect with their target audience and promote their brands. With millions of active users worldwide, the social media giant keeps evolving its features and tools to offer marketers new and innovative ways to engage with their followers. In this article, we will explore 11 exciting Instagram features that marketers can try in 2023 to enhance their marketing strategies and achieve better results.
1. Instagram Stories Stickers
Instagram Stories have gained immense popularity over the years. To make your stories more interactive and engaging, Instagram offers a wide range of stickers that you can add to your posts. These stickers include polls, quizzes, question boxes, countdowns, and more. By using these stickers strategically, marketers can gather feedback, conduct market research, and increase user engagement.
2. Shoppable Posts and Product Tags
With the rise of e-commerce, Instagram introduced shoppable posts and product tags, allowing businesses to sell their products directly on the platform. By tagging products in their posts, marketers can provide a seamless shopping experience for their followers, enabling them to make purchases with just a few taps. This feature is especially beneficial for e-commerce brands looking to boost sales and drive conversions.
3. IGTV for Longer Video Content
Instagram TV (IGTV) is a dedicated platform within Instagram for sharing longer video content. Marketers can leverage IGTV to create in-depth tutorials, product demonstrations, behind-the-scenes footage, and more. By uploading informative and engaging videos on IGTV, businesses can showcase their expertise and build a stronger connection with their audience.
4. Instagram Live Shopping
Instagram Live Shopping allows brands to showcase their products in real-time and interact with viewers through live video streams. Marketers can host live shopping sessions where they demonstrate and discuss their products, answer questions, and provide exclusive offers to viewers. This feature creates a sense of urgency and excitement, driving sales and fostering a sense of community among followers.
5. Branded Content Ads
Instagram’s Branded Content Ads enable marketers to amplify the reach of influencer collaborations. By partnering with influencers and utilizing Branded Content Ads, brands can expand their audience and drive more engagement. This feature allows marketers to target specific demographics, making it an effective tool for reaching their desired customer base.
6. AR Filters and Effects
Instagram’s Augmented Reality (AR) filters and effects provide an immersive and interactive experience for users. Marketers can create branded AR filters that users can apply to their posts, stories, and even during live video sessions. By incorporating AR filters and effects into their campaigns, marketers can increase brand visibility, generate user-generated content, and foster a fun and memorable brand experience.
7. Instagram Reels for Short-form Videos
Instagram Reels is a short-form video feature that allows users to create and share entertaining and engaging content. Marketers can leverage Reels to showcase their products, share behind-the-scenes footage, or create viral challenges. With its wide reach and discoverability, Instagram Reels can help businesses increase brand awareness and attract new followers.
8. Instagram Guides for Curated Content
Instagram Guides enable marketers to curate and share valuable content in a dedicated tab on their profiles. Marketers can create guides that provide recommendations, tips, and advice on various topics related to their industry. By sharing curated content, businesses can position themselves as thought leaders and provide valuable resources to their followers.
9. Collabs and Influencer Partnerships
Collaborating with influencers has become an integral part of many marketing strategies. By partnering with influencers who align with their brand values, marketers can tap into their audience and gain exposure to a wider demographic. Collaborative posts, sponsored content, and influencer takeovers can significantly boost brand visibility and drive engagement.
10. Instagram Shopping in Reels
Instagram has introduced the ability to tag products in Reels, allowing marketers to showcase and promote their products directly within short-form videos. By incorporating shopping tags in Reels, businesses can make their products easily accessible to viewers, enabling them to shop seamlessly while enjoying entertaining content.
11. Instagram Shopping in Explore
Instagram Shopping in Explore is a feature that allows users to discover and purchase products from brands they might be interested in. By optimizing their product listings and utilizing relevant hashtags, marketers can increase their chances of appearing in the Explore section and reaching a broader audience of potential customers.
Conclusion
As Instagram continues to evolve, it offers marketers a wide range of features and tools to enhance their marketing efforts. By leveraging these 11 Instagram features discussed in this article, marketers can drive engagement, increase brand visibility, and ultimately achieve their marketing goals. Stay ahead of the competition and explore these exciting features to maximize your brand’s presence on Instagram.