Much like other social media apps, Instagram is committed to improving its platform. That's why, in 2021, the social media giant unveiled some new features for its users.
These upgrades come as no surprise, considering how competitive the social media market is. And with other apps like TikTok and Snapchat capturing attention, it would seem that Instagram has no choice but to evolve.
So, what are these exciting new features, you might ask? Let's take a look.
1. Turn Off Like Counts
If you watch your like counts the way many Instagram users do, the pressure to post something good can be unbearable. Imagine uploading a picture you felt was fantastic, only to get zero likes. For some, that can damage self-esteem or have other negative consequences.
Thankfully, Instagram realizes this issue and is finally doing something about it. After testing like count hiding as a way to “depressurize people’s experience” on the platform, turning off like counts is now available to everyone on Instagram as of May 2021.
The feature allows you to disable all likes on your Instagram posts, and it hides both like counts and view counts from all posts in your feed.
2. Turn Off Audio and Video on Instagram Live
Similar to Clubhouse, Instagram gives you the option to mute audio and turn off video during Instagram Live sessions. The social media platform seems to have added these features to reduce the pressure of interacting live with audiences. It also offers autonomy over what other users hear and see within the live session.
The best thing about these two options is that they allow you to dictate your level of audience interaction. If you're having a bad hair day, for instance, just turn off your video. Not in the mood to talk? Mute your audio.
Additionally, as the person speaking during an Instagram Live chat, you'll now be heard more clearly by your audience. Instagram has also added buttons to mute your audio and video at the bottom of your screen.
When you turn off your video, the video box will show your display photo instead of a live feed. Unfortunately, Instagram Live hosts cannot turn off the audio or video of other participants during a broadcast, so there are some limitations. But this feature is a step in the right direction.
3. Remixing Reels
Instagram's Remix feature allows you to record a video responding to an existing Reel—similar to TikTok’s popular Duet feature. A Remix is an excellent way to collaborate with other creators and grow your reach via Instagram.
Think of Remixes as reactionary Reels that appear next to the original Reel. Additionally, you can remix any Instagram Reel as long as the content creator has turned on Remix access.
This feature is also helpful when you aren't sure what to create for your Reels feed. Instead of stressing, just Remix another person's video! You can create comedic reactions, dance collaborations, and participate in challenges, arguably the most popular content type for Instagram's Remix feature.
By enabling Remix, you’re also opening your content (and your Instagram profile) up to millions of potential collaborators, which might even have your Remix going viral.
4. Insights for Reels and Live
Instagram's Insight for Reels and Live content is targeted at content creators and businesses looking for a detailed view into their Reels and Live analytics. This information is important for influencers, and brands who are looking for ways to expand their reach.
The addition is an upgrade from Instagram's Account Insights section of the platform, which gave professional users demographic and peak activity information to evaluate the impact of their posts. Now users can see statistical information across a broader range of post types.
5. Cross-App Messaging
Considering Facebook owns Instagram, it was only a matter of time until the social media platform introduced a cross-app messaging function. This new feature from Instagram allows users from one app to find and message each other across both platforms. Now, your friends can search for, message, video chat, or reshare posts with you whether you're using Instagram or Facebook.
You can also choose who messages you. Cross-app messaging is exceptionally useful if you spend more time on one app while your friends are on another.
With the new messaging function, you won't have to worry that you'll miss something important when you're bouncing around either social network. Instagram and Facebook Story posts aren't affected by this feature, however.
6. Reply to an Instagram Direct Message With a Photo or Video
Instagram's updated in-app messaging now allows you to reply to a DM with a photo or video. This feature lets users record their reaction to a message they've received and send their response instead of sending a sticker or GIF.
You can also add text like you would when uploading an Instagram Story. There are even creative options to make your replies more engaging.
7. Captions Sticker
Instagram's captions sticker generates automatic captions on your Stories. While overdue, captions ensure that people can engage with your content, even when they decide to scroll without sound.
Many users expect that Reels posts will have captions. In fact, some will bypass your content if captions aren't available. However, this feature solves that problem.
The addition also makes videos more accessible for people who are hard of hearing or deaf and those who don’t speak English as their first language.
Staying Relevant in a Competitive Market
Instagram is constantly improving to ensure the best user experience and stay relevant in the competitive social media market. While TikTok and Snapchat may challenge Instagram for users, these new features prove that the social media giant can still stand tall among the competition.