Instagram Changes in 2021: how to seize new opportunities

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Mano masculina sosteniendo un teléfono inteligente con el icono de Instagram en la pantalla.

Have you noticed the latest changes on Instagram? All social networks within the Facebook group typically go through several changes every year, especially Instagram. And the changes are extensive, ranging from the way publications are delivered to publishing tools and the app’s layout.

Recently, the communication market was rocked by the announcement that Instagram will prioritize the delivery of videos on the platform going forwards. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri stated that the social media is no longer a photo sharing app, but a comprehensive entertainment and content platform.

It is important to keep up with the changes on Instagram, and think strategically in order to achieve effective communication on the network. We have highlighted some of the most interesting updates below (spoiler alert: most of them are in the stickers of the stories).

The Importance of Reels

A Reels is a short video of up to one minute, and it is currently the most powerful format on Instagram. It was implemented as a response to features present on another successful social network, TikTok.

Reels are dynamic, and align with the platform’s new guidelines which prioritize videos. Their organic reach is greater than other formats. It’s no surprise that Reels now has its own tab on the app.

By browsing this tab, you can keep an eye on trends and adapt them to entertain and engage your target audience.

Link to all accounts

Another novelty is that the notorious “swipe up” feature has been scrapped. In its place is the link click, a feature which everyone can use to share content from other sites in one’s stories.

However, the mechanics of the platform have changed: the desired URL needs to be linked to the link tag. Thus, anyone who sees a story can tap on the sticker to access the site in question. 

Unlike “swipe up”, which was only accessible to verified profiles, link clicks can be used much more democratically, by everyone from micro-influencers to personal profiles.

New Insights

An Insights area is available for professional accounts, with information about published content. Number of views, shares and other data can help you consider your profile’s strategy.

Finally, the latest change on Instagram is the addition of new metrics for Reels and Instagram Live, which enable a much deeper performance analysis for corporate profiles. In addition, there has also been a change in how formats impact overall account performance, as some allow for even greater reach.

These changes to Instagram represent new opportunities for your company to connect with the target audiences it seeks to engage in Latin America. So be sure to explore all the possibilities which these features allow!

Written by: Thel Lavagnoli