Instagram Changes: What Does This Mean for Marketers?

Is the world as we know it about to change? Well, one thing we do know is that Instagram is changing????????. Last week, the Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri shared a video detailing the future of Instagram and what we can expect.

With their plans primarily focusing on shifting the app away from just a photo sharing app, Adam elaborated on the idea of Instagram being a hub of entertainment. Faced with stiff competition in the form of TikTok and Youtube, it could be assumed that Instagram is faced with a consumer demand of becoming a video sharing platform. That being said, Adam clearly outlined four main areas of focus in the coming months and even years for Instagram. These included; creators, video, shopping and messaging. Arguably, the immense popularity centred around TikTok provides a clear explanation for a focus towards creators and video content however, interestingly Adam states that Instagram has recognised that the pandemic has forced a change in the way we, as consumers shop and communicate; stating that the primary usage has transitioned away from stories and posts to messaging friends and family.

What could this mean for marketers?

???? A greater demand to produce video content.

???? A possible decrease in engagement on images.

???? A option to integrate creators into your Instagram social strategy.

What can we expect to see from Instagram in the coming months?

???? Recommendations – Instagram has released a statement detailing it’s plans to show users more content recommendations and further ask users what type of content they’re interested in by selecting various topics. Instagram has already begun testing an early version of this, with a new version to follow.

???? Embracing video – Instagram will begin to embrace video content by introducing full screen, entertaining, mobile-first video.

Adam reinforces that Instagram will begin to embrace change, integrate and try new ideas but, this process won’t happen overnight and instead, will likely take Instagram years to reach their final vision – making this a real ‘wait and see’ case. Despite that, Instagram plans to remain transparent and open with all changes; continuing to regularly release statements and updates like Adam’s.

If you’d like to check out Adam’s video, the link is below.

????https://www.instagram.com/mosseri/

 

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