Instagram Updates: Early 2023
As one of the most popular social media platforms, Instagram is constantly evolving to improve its user experience and stay ahead of the competition. Here are the latest updates for 2023:
2023 Updates
1. Augmented Reality (AR) Filters: Instagram is taking AR filters to the next level by allowing users to create their own filters using the Spark AR Studio. This means users can create unique and personalized filters that can be shared with their followers.
2. Reels: Instagram's answer to TikTok, Reels allows users to create short, 15-second videos set to music or other audio. In 2023, Instagram has improved its Reels feature with more editing tools and effects, making it easier for users to create engaging content.
3. Shop from Creators: Instagram has launched a new feature that allows users to shop directly from their favorite creators. This means users can purchase items recommended by their favorite influencers without having to leave the app.
4. Instagram Live: Instagram Live has become increasingly popular over the years, and in 2023, Instagram has made it even better by allowing users to schedule their live streams in advance. This makes it easier for followers to tune in to their favorite content creators' live streams.
5. Enhanced Safety Features: Instagram has always been focused on user safety, and in 2023, it has launched enhanced safety features to help prevent bullying and harassment. Users can now filter comments, restrict unwanted interactions, and report abusive content more easily.
6. Instagram Broadcast Channels: Broadcast channels serve as a means for creators to communicate with their followers on a larger scale through public, one-to-many messaging. These channels enable creators to keep their followers informed about the latest updates and offer glimpses into behind-the-scenes moments, utilizing a variety of media such as text, photos, video, voice notes, and polls. Followers can engage with the content by reacting and participating in polls, with additional features expected to be introduced in the future.
7. Instagram’s Quiet Mode: Instagram is introducing a new feature called "Quiet Mode" that enables users to minimize distractions and concentrate when they need to. In addition, they will be encouraging teenagers to activate this feature. They are also providing users with additional options to communicate their content preferences, enabling them to avoid certain content categories in Explore, Search, and Reels. Their supervision tools are also being updated to facilitate conversations between parents and their teenagers about their Instagram account settings.
8. Additional Links in Bio: Instagram is introducing a new feature that competes with Linktree, Beacons, and other "link in bio" providers. Users can now add up to five links to their Instagram profile bios, which can direct their followers to other content, such as their online businesses, promotional brands, social causes, or even their profiles on competing social platforms, among other things. This new feature is intended to provide users with more flexibility in directing their followers to their desired destinations and streamlining the process of accessing external content.
9. Paid Verification: Meta Verified is being introduced in the U.S. on both Facebook and Instagram. This subscription service, which was initially launched in Australia and New Zealand last month, enables users to add the highly sought-after blue check mark to their Instagram and Facebook accounts for a monthly fee. The cost of Meta Verified is $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 per month on mobile. This new service provides an opportunity for users to increase their account verification status, enhancing their credibility and trustworthiness on the platform.
10. Instagram's latest feature, "Instagram Gifts," enables creators to monetize their content by receiving virtual gifts from their viewers. Viewers can express their appreciation for creators by sending them virtual gifts on their reels. These gifts can be purchased by viewers using stars, and Instagram offers creators a revenue share for Reels that received gifts. The revenue share amounts to $.01 USD for every star received from fans, which is paid out monthly. Creators can monitor their monthly and overall earnings on their Professional Dashboard, and payments are issued once the overall balance reaches $25. For more information on payouts for gifts on Instagram, users can refer to the platform's guidelines.
Conclusion
These are just some of the latest updates to Instagram in 2023. With new features and improvements being rolled out regularly, it's an exciting time to be a user of this popular social media platform. What are your thoughts on some of these features and in what ways do you see yourself using these features?
Quick Links
These sources regularly report on the latest Instagram updates and can provide more in-depth information about the features mentioned above!
Instagram's official blog: https://about.instagram.com/blog/
TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/tag/instagram/
The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/instagram/
Social Media Today: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/tags/instagram/
Mashable: https://mashable.com/category/instagram/