With over 1.4 billion monthly active users that spend an average of 30 minutes daily, it is undeniable that Instagram is growing steadily. That's why we continuously see feature updates from the platform.We have listed four major Instagram updates of 2022 and how brands can use them to promote their products.
Grid Pinning Feature
Released in June 2022, the Grid Pinning feature allows you to pin up to three posts or reels at the top of your profile grid. The feature works the same as the other social media platforms. But you need to be strategic about using it because you can only pin up to three posts at a time.
The Grid Pinning feature lets you draw attention to your key content on Instagram. Here are few suggestions to put this feature to good use:
- Promoting a new product
- Announcing an exciting limited-time offer
- Highlighting evergreen content or timeless USP
- Rotate your pins to promote your seasonal products
Did your brand receive a press feature? How about a positive customer review? Make sure to pin it so your followers can have more reasons to do business with you.Just remember to unpin your posts once your campaign is done. Otherwise, your profile would look stale if your top three posts remained the same.It is also important to test pinning different numbers of posts and check your Instagram analytics. That way, you have an insight into what is working for your brand.
Shoppable Instagram Story
Do you know that an Instagram shop is one of many places where you can sell your products? If you have an IG business account and have enabled Instagram Shopping, you can take advantage of Shoppable Instagram Story.
This feature lets your customers buy your featured product straight from your IG Story.Since it is only available for 24 hours, it creates a sense of urgency for your followers to take immediate action. That's why the best way to use this is to push consideration and decision types of content like a limited promo or sale. All you need to do is tag a product in your Story using the product link sticker.
Instagram Live Shopping
Instagram Live Shopping is also changing how brands offer a seamless shopping experience.This Instagram update allows you to sell products and interact with your customers in real-time using the Live broadcast. You need to tag items from your product catalogue, and they will appear at the bottom of the screen. This lets customers buy the products during the live session.
Taking advantage of Instagram Live Shopping also improves your brand's customer engagement. That's because a Live broadcast creates two-way communication between you and your consumers.What's great is that you can save your Live broadcast so customers can watch the replay and buy even after the session has ended. This makes a Live shopping session last longer than an IG story and drives residual sales.
Augmented Reality Ads
It was announced last October that Meta is testing augmented reality ads within Instagram's main feed and stories.Instagram users experience AR today by adding filters to their posts and stories to make them look aesthetic. With the new and upcoming AR ads, they can move a virtual version of your product around their house.
It works the same as IKEA’s augmented reality app, wherein users can place true-to-scale 3D models of furniture pieces in their space.
If you sell furniture pieces, you can run Instagram AR ads for your sofa. This will allow your target market to check whether your sofa can fit in their space or interior design first before buying. Fashion brands can also do the same by allowing customers to test their clothes virtually. For those in real estate, the best use of AR ads is virtual and interactive house tours.Because of its immersive and interactive nature, running an augmented reality ad campaign allows you to boost customer engagement. The closer they are to experiencing your product, the more likely they will buy from you.
What Instagram Update are You Excited to Use?
Instagram is no longer limited to being a photo-sharing app. The platform allows brands to promote their products and creatively engage with their target market.Which of these Instagram Updates would you like to test out for your next campaign?