Crack the Code: 6 New Instagram Updates to Boost Views & Optimize Your Content for the Algorithm

Hey there, Instagram fans! Have you heard the news? Instagram just dropped some dope updates that are going to take your social media game up a notch. 🙌🏾

From trend spotting to watch time insights, this social media powerhouse is finally giving businesses and marketers some powerful tools to help them create killer content and connect with their followers like never before. 🤗

We're going to dish on 6 of the latest Instagram updates and give you some expert tips from The Asé Group team on how to use them to your advantage. Let's take your Insta feed to the next level. ⬇️

1. Trend Setter 😎

Instagram's new Reels Trends is an all-in-one spot for what’s hot, so you don’t waste time with what’s not! This should make it much easier to find trending sounds and hashtags for quick Reels inspo.

This feature is most helpful for brands that:

• Can quickly create Reels or other content

• Want to be perceived as current and trendy

• Know how to practice discernment and stay true to their brand

The Instagram Reels Trends update is a home for all things Reels! Find trending audio & hashtags in less time to get your content in front of more people.

2. Watch Party 🎥

Instagram will now let you know how long and how many times your Reel has been watched.

This feature can help you:

• Identify what video content to make more or less of

• Test repurposed video content, e.g. compare your hooks, being on-camera versus off, etc.

• Understand how engaging your Reel is so you can create shorter or longer content

New Instagram Reels watch time insights let you know when people are no longer engaged. Use this data to adjust your hooks and message.

3. Easy Editor ✂️

We finally get a layered Reels editing experience! Similar to TikTok’s in-app editor and CapCut, you can now incorporate video, stickers, text and audio track editing all in one place on Instagram.

This feature is most helpful for brands that:

• Prefer to edit Reels natively/in-app

• Get confused with start and stop times or overwhelmed with creating original Reels

Instagram's new in-app editor update is similar to Tiktok's native editor. It will be easier to create content all in one place.

4. Let's Link 🔗

In a surprising move, Instagram now allows 5 links in bio! (R.I.P. LinkTree & them! 😂) While it’s unlikely captions will be URL-friendly anytime soon, this is big!

This feature can help you:

• Keep people on your website longer

• Direct your audience to specific links for simpler conversions (think sales promotions or an about us page to boost trust)

Instagram's new update allows up to 5 links in bio, but don't overwhelm your audience with too many choices.

5. Follow for Follow 💝

Now when people follow you from one of your Reels you’ll get a notification letting you know! You can also find this data in your carousel and static post insights.

This feature can help you:

• Figure out if your content is resonating with your target audience

• Identify which content is worth repurposing or reposting

Instagram now lets you know who followed you from a Reel. This will help determine if your content is targeting the right audience.

6. Gifts Got Better 🎁

Instagram virtual gifts feature now shows who sent them! And the gifts feature has been rolled out to select international countries.

This feature is most helpful for brands that:

• Want to connect with and convert their most engaged followers (think: hot/warm leads)

• Have a presence abroad or are looking to expand across foreign borders

Virtual gifts on Instagram now show who sent them, so you can say "thanks" & connect with your most engaged followers.

Conclusion

🗣️ Alright, Insta-fam, let's wrap this up! We've dished out the 411 on these game-changing Instagram updates, showing you how they can help you create the best content, connect with your followers, and stay on top of trends. From the all-new trends screen 📱 to the improved Reels editing experience and the surprising addition of multiple bio links 🔗, these updates are too good to pass up.

Now, imagine what you could achieve if you had a creative agency like The Asé Group in your corner, helping you make the most of these updates and taking your Insta game to new heights. 🤔 We're talking about a powerhouse team that knows the ins and outs of social media, ready to deliver that unique, scroll-stopping content your brand deserves. 🥵

So, if you're ready to level up and make the most of these Instagram updates, head on over to our website and schedule a complimentary consultation with us. Let's take your Insta feed from "meh" to "ooh la la!" together. 🏆 Don't wait, your brand's Insta-glow-up is just a click away!