What Are The Latest Update On Instagram 2024?
As we move through 2024, Instagram continues to innovate and enhance its platform with exciting new features designed to improve user engagement and expand creative possibilities.
This year has already seen a variety of updates, from enhanced DM functionalities to innovative content creation tools.
In this article, we will explore the most significant Instagram updates introduced in 2024, delving into how these changes are shaping the way users interact with the app and each other.
Instagram Updates in May 2024
Table of Contents
Instagram Tests New Carousel Design: Seamless Experience or Visual Disruption?
As Instagram explores ways to enhance its carousel feature by increasing the number of images and videos that can be included, it is also testing a new look aimed at creating seamless transitions between items.
However, this Instagram update has received mixed reactions from users, particularly on social media platforms like Reddit, where some have criticized the visible black lines between images. These lines, they argue, disrupt the flow rather than create the intended seamless experience.
Given that this feature is still in the testing phase, Instagram is likely to consider user feedback and make necessary adjustments before rolling it out more broadly. This iterative approach is common in tech development, where user input can significantly shape the final product.
Instagram Enhances Discovery with New AI-Powered Search Bar
Instagram is revolutionizing content discovery with the introduction of a new AI-powered search bar, leveraging Meta’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology.
This innovative Instagram update goes beyond simple keyword matching by understanding user intent, allowing for a highly tailored content recommendation system.
With this Instagram update, users can now search for content based on themes, moods, or specific objects within images, greatly enhancing the ability to find niche content that may not be easily identified with conventional hashtags.
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This new level of search specificity opens up a world of content perfectly aligned with individual user preferences, providing a direct path to precisely what users seek on the platform.
Instagram Updates in April 2024
Instagram Boosts Original Content: New Changes to Reposts and Aggregator Recommendations Announced by Adam Mosseri
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, has announced that the platform is implementing changes to further emphasize and reward original content.
Specifically, Instagram will now replace reposted content in recommendations with the original posts. Additionally, reposts will include a label that links back to the original content, although they will remain visible to the followers of the person who reposted.
Mosseri also highlighted that with this Instagram update, aggregator accounts will be removed from recommendations if they consistently share unoriginal content without adding any unique value.
He advises these aggregators to innovate in how they handle content in order to maintain their visibility in recommendations.
These updates are scheduled to roll out over the next few months. Mosseri expressed an openness to community feedback on these changes, indicating a desire to engage with users’ opinions as the platform evolves.
Adam Mosseri Advises Instagram Users: Focus on Engagement, Not Just Followers
On the Instagram update news in April 2024, Adam Mosseri emphasized a strategic shift for Instagram users, advising them to focus less on increasing their follower count and more on boosting engagement metrics such as likes, views, and reshares.
Mosseri highlighted that while followers are important, the true indicators of success on the platform are engagement rates.
He pointed out that increasing engagement per post, views per reel, and reshares per item are better measures of how content resonates with the audience.
According to Mosseri, a decline in followers coupled with an increase in engagement can actually be a positive sign, indicating that the content is reaching more engaged viewers. Conversely, a rise in followers without increased engagement can be a cause for concern.
Mosseri’s advice reflects a broader shift in content strategy, focusing on quality interactions that sustain long-term growth and audience connection on Instagram.
Instagram Revamps Algorithm to Mimic TikTok’s Success: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Instagram updated its content ranking algorithm, introducing a new method that closely resembles the approach used by TikTok’s For You Page (FYP).
Here’s how the new Instagram algorithm will function:
- Initial Exposure: Instagram will first expose new content to a small group of users who are most likely to enjoy it, based on their past interactions and preferences.
- Engagement-Based Scaling: If the content performs well with this initial group, in terms of likes, comments, and shares, it will then be shown to a wider audience. This step ensures that only engaging content spreads further.
- Gradual Expansion: The best-performing content among this larger group will continue to expand its reach incrementally, reaching an even broader audience if it continues to garner high engagement.
- Comparison with TikTok: This phased engagement approach is very similar to TikTok’s FYP algorithm, which also scales content visibility based on user engagement, making popular content viral.
Instagram Announces the End of Flipside Feature
Instagram has decided to discontinue its Flipside feature, with the service set to end on May 24, 2024. Flipside, which allowed users to create a separate, more private profile to share content selectively, will no longer be available as Instagram shifts its focus towards other features.
Here’s what users need to know:
- Content Archiving: All posts and stories created using Flipside will be automatically archived on Instagram. This means that the content will remain on the platform but will only be visible to the creator unless they choose to share it further.
- Downloading Content: Users interested in keeping a personal copy of their Flipside posts can download them from the Instagram Accounts Center until August 25, 2024.
This move adds Flipside to the list of discontinued social media features as platforms continue to evolve and adapt their offerings based on user engagement and strategic priorities.
Instagram Updates in March 2024
Instagram Streamlines Hashtag Search to Enhance Content Discovery
Instagram is enhancing its search and hashtag functionalities to streamline the user experience.
With the latest Instagram update, tapping on a hashtag will now display a unified search result page, consolidating all related content in one place.
This Instagram update includes the ability for users to follow or unfollow hashtags directly from this page, as well as report specific hashtags if needed.
This streamlined approach is designed to make it easier for users to find relevant accounts and posts based on their search interests, improving navigation and engagement on the platform.
Instagram Enhances Carousel Interactions with Specific Photo and Video Comments Feature
Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to comment on specific photos or videos within a carousel by using the “@” symbol followed by the number of the photo or video.
This Instagram update enables users to clearly indicate which part of the carousel their comment is referencing, enhancing clarity and engagement.
This feature comes as Instagram is planning to increase the maximum number of items in a carousel from 10 to 15, allowing for more extensive content sharing and interactions. This functionality is currently available to a limited number of users.
Instagram Tests New ‘Challenges’ Feature for Photo Contests in Broadcast Channels
Instagram is currently developing a new feature known as “challenges,” specifically designed for its Telegram-like broadcast channels. This feature, spotted by developer Alessandro Paluzzi, will allow creators to host photo contests within their channels. Participants can win prizes, making the contests more engaging and interactive.
According to the screenshots shared by Paluzzi on the X platform, channel members will have the ability to interact with contest entries by reporting or sharing them not only within Instagram but also in their personal stories, direct messages, and across different apps. This integration aims to increase user engagement by leveraging the social networks of participants to spread content more widely.
The introduction of this feature underscores Instagram’s commitment to enhancing interactive content and community engagement on its platform. By allowing creators to organize contests and award prizes, Instagram is looking to foster a more active and participatory community experience.
Instagram Tests New ‘Blend’ Feature for More Personalized Reels Experience
Instagram is currently testing a new feature called “Blend,” which aims to personalize the Reels viewing experience among friends.
This Instagram update allows users to blend their Reels recommendations based on shared interests and the Reels they’ve interacted with together.
According to Alessandro Paluzzi, a notable developer who often reveals upcoming social media features, “Blend” is designed to create a private feed where recommendations are tailored to the specific tastes and preferences of a group of friends.
The “Blend” feature ensures that the recommendations are private between the participating users, who can opt out of this shared viewing experience at any time. This initiative by Instagram could enhance the social interaction on the platform by making content discovery more collaborative and tailored to user groups.
Instagram Update Unveils Promo Codes for Ads, Boosting Brand Engagement Opportunities
Instagram has globally launched a new feature that incorporates promo codes directly into its ads.
Source: about.Instagram.com
Now, when you shop through Instagram and Facebook ads, any available promo codes from the brands you love will either be automatically applied at checkout or displayed for you to copy and paste. This enhancement aims to ensure shoppers always receive the best prices possible during their purchase process.
Instagram Reels are Getting Longer
Instagram has introduced the ability for users to create longer Reels, now allowing up to 3 minutes of video content, if recorded directly through the Instagram app. This update is an expansion from the previous 90-second limit, offering users more flexibility and creative space. The change aims to enhance user engagement by leveraging the popular Reels algorithm, which previously prioritized shorter videos.
Need to send files via Instagram DM? It’s coming soon on Instagram Update
Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to send files directly within Direct Messages (DMs).
This Instagram feature could enhance the platform’s functionality, especially for business accounts, enabling a more versatile communication method that goes beyond text and images.
As highlighted by Alessandro Paluzzi, this capability might initially be available exclusively for business accounts, providing them with a powerful tool to share documents, presentations, or other necessary files quickly and securely within their conversations on Instagram.
Instagram Update: Carousel Posts Expand to 15 Images and Videos
Instagram Update: Instagram is testing an expansion to its carousel posts, allowing users to include up to 15 photos or videos, up from the current limit of 10. This update aims to give users more flexibility in how they share and curate their content on the platform.
What do you think? Would you prefer sticking to the classic 10-image carousel, or are you excited about the possibility of creating larger 15-image carousels?
Let us know your preference!
Edit Your Messages on Instagram DM
Now on Instagram, if you catch a typo or need to revise your message, you can edit it within 15 minutes of sending.
Simply press and hold the sent message, then select “edit” from the options that appear. This new feature offers the flexibility to correct or update your messages after they’ve been dispatched.
Pin Chats to Top of Inbox on Instagram DM
Instagram is introducing a feature that allows you to pin up to three group or individual chats to the top of your inbox for quick access.
To pin a chat, either swipe left or tap and hold on the chat, then select “pin.” This option helps you keep important conversations readily accessible. Unpinning a chat can be done at any time if you choose to rearrange your priorities.
Toggle Read Receipts in Instagram DMs
Instagram now allows you to control the visibility of read receipts. You can toggle read receipts on or off for all your chats or specific ones to manage your privacy.
To adjust this setting for all chats:
1. Navigate to account settings.
2. Select ‘Messages and story replies.’
3. Tap ‘Show read receipts.’
4. Use the toggle to turn read receipts on or off for all chats as desired.
Save Your Favorite Stickers and Enhance Replies in Instagram DMs
Instagram now allows you to save your favorite stickers for quicker access in DMs.
Just press and hold on a sticker to save it, and it will appear at the top of your sticker selection in future messages.
Furthermore, you can now use stickers, GIFs, videos, photos, and voice messages when replying to messages. To reply with these options, press and hold on the message you wish to respond to, choose reply, and select from the available options.
Instagram Updates in February 2024
New Backdrop Sticker Update for Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories introduces an AI-powered backdrop sticker, allowing you to seamlessly change the background of your story images.
When uploading a photo, use the Backdrop sticker to automatically or manually select the foreground. You can choose a background from provided prompts or enter a custom one.
Once posted, the background prompt becomes a sticker that others can use in their stories. This feature is currently rolling out gradually.
A Friend Map Feature for Location Tracking
Instagram is developing a “Friend Map” feature, similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, allowing users to see friends’ locations in real-time.
The feature is currently an internal prototype and offers privacy options such as end-to-end encrypted location sharing with specific groups like close friends.
Users can also opt into “Ghost Mode” to hide their location and post short location-based messages, or “Notes,” enhancing the interactive map experience.
Instagram aims to integrate more social and location-based functionalities within its platform.
A New Engagement Tool for Live Streams
Instagram is introducing a new feature to enhance live stream engagement: games. This addition will include interactive game types like “This or That” and “Trivia,” providing streamers and their audiences more ways to interact during live sessions. This update could significantly boost viewer participation and make live streams on Instagram more interactive and fun.
Instagram Enhances Creativity with New Video Sticker Feature for GIF-like Interactions
Instagram has recently enhanced its sticker options by introducing a feature that allows users to create video stickers from GIF-like videos, building on the previous ability to make stickers from still images. This update provides users with more creative tools to personalize their stories and posts, making interactions on the platform even more engaging and visually dynamic.
Instagram Tests Grid Preview for Optimal Feed Aesthetics
Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to preview how photos and carousels will appear in their feed before posting.
This update is particularly beneficial for social media managers and content creators, enhancing the ability to manage and plan the aesthetic of Instagram feeds effectively.
Although currently limited to photos and carousels, not extending to reel covers, this feature promises to reduce reliance on external apps for feed planning.
Instagram Updates in January 2024
Cancel In-Progress Story
Instagram has introduced a new feature to some users that allows them to cancel an in-progress story upload. This update is especially useful if you’ve accidentally started uploading the wrong content or simply changed your mind. Now, you can easily stop the upload by selecting “Cancel upload” directly from the upload screen, ensuring more control and flexibility over what you share.
Create Public Collection
Instagram is currently experimenting with allowing users to create public collections on their profiles. This feature would enable users to showcase curated collections of posts and share them broadly, enhancing engagement and interaction on the platform.
