Instagram’s latest features update is SO BIG you will be implementing them regularly in the future.
I’m going to break down each one, and show you how to effectively use each feature to help your small business.
Recently, Adam Mosseri – head of Instagram – announced four new features: 90-sec reels, pinning, import audio, and interactive stickers in reels.
These are all significant changes – so where do we start?
Let’s just hop into 90-second reels – you now have the option to choose between 15,30, 60, AND 90-second reels!
{By the way} TikTok has been adding longer and longer segments, sooooooo I’m pretty sure we can count on Instagram only increasing the time as well…..Copy Cats!}
We all know that Instagram loves people who jump on its newest features first, so does this mean we SHOULD be doing 90-second reels? Yes and No.
Studies have shown that our attention span is only 5-7 seconds – this is why short, quick reels perform so well. KEEP doing these short reels!
However, there are some pros to this new feature:
You have more time to tell stories.
You can give more valuable mini lessons.
You can show more of your brand personality.
You need to remember that 90-sec reels will be challenging to hold your viewers’ attention until the very end, meaning your watch time will decrease, AND chances of them re-watching will lessen.
Here’s my suggestion – keep sharing fun + entertaining SHORT reels to increase brand awareness, but to go on a deeper level using 90-sec reels to share high-end value will be gold for your niched-down market. Make sure you start with a STRONG hook and keep the reel engaging from start to end. Don’t hold back on the information – make sure you dive right in!
Just be sure to be intentional with your long-form reels – so they help you instead of hurting you.
The next Instagram update is the Pinning Feature:
I think the Pinning Feature will be a game-changer because it will allow new people to get a quick sense of who you are and what you offer!
Does this feature look familiar? If it does, it’s because you’ve seen it on TikTok…**cough cough** copy cats…
Instagram just does NOT like to be outdone by other apps…
Pinning allows you to select up to 3 posts/reels to pin to the top of your profile, so whenever someone comes to your feed, those are the posts they see first – which equals more views. If done correctly, more leads!
So what types of posts should you be pinning?
✅ An Introduction post – share a fun upbeat version of your elevator pitch: who you are, what you provide, and who you are helping
✅ Your most recent offer/product/sale/upcoming events
✅ Value – share your expertise and pick a Reel that has gotten a lot of traction from your current audience
✅ Personal journey – show your audience an insight into you
✅ Recent Testimonials – this is huge social proof for you
✅ Relatable/Inspirational content – show your audience you understand where they’re at
Next up, we now have the option to import audio Instagram update. This means that if you have a video on your phone with music or some audio clip that you like, you can now upload the audio vs. the video WITH audio.
To do this, you’ll tap on audio {or the music symbol}, and you will see the “import” option in the top right corner, next to the “saved” option. When you hit it, your camera roll comes up, and you can select the video from which you want the audio. Easy!
And finally – we can now add interactive stickers to our reels!! I think this will be a big one in terms of engagement. People love to interact with stickers, which will boost your reach!
The only downfall with this is that you can’t set the sticker on a timer – it will stay on the entire length of the reel – will we see that change? Who knows….
So I hope this breakdown helps, and I would love to know which of these new features you are the most excited about!! Drop it in the comment below!
And for those who are just tired of creating content for your business, you should probably check out my membership program, where I do all the hard work for you -weekly emails with content, monthly zoom calls, monthly workshops, all to help you succeed!
Leave a Reply