Instagram has been implementing a series of changes recently. It is clearly no longer a photo-sharing app, and in the future, its focus will be on stories, creators, video, shopping, and messaging. In order to make stories more engaging, Instagram launched Link stickers, and Add Yours sticker.
Goodbye “Swipe Up”, welcome “Link Stickers”
As we all know, Instagram already has stickers (that we all love to use) for several story features like locations, mentions, hashtags, GIFs, music, polls, and more. After retiring the swipe-up feature, Instagram has launched link stickers that are placed on an Instagram Story (like any other sticker), but when you click on it, it links you to a website!
In the beginning, Instagram’s link sticker was, just like the swipe-up, only available for accounts with over 10,000 followers or ones that have a verified account. Responding to the feedback from the community, one of the biggest announcements this year, was its availability to all users. The Instagram link stickers now allow all users to share the links.
Having links in stories posts enables creators on Instagram to link directly to external websites. This can be particularly useful when creating story highlights full of useful information, products, and promotions. This is an important and beneficial option for small businesses, brands, or content creators. Many businesses have been embracing link stickers since the rollout started as it is an opportunity to have greater conversion in their stories.
The new Instagram update may represent an improvement in the user experience. Mainly, because the Instagram link stickers will allow a more strategic placement and can attract more clicks and more traffic within the stories. One of the best features of the Instagram Sticker links is that story viewers will now be able to react and reply to posts that have the Link Sticker attached. Reactions and replies were not possible on Stories that had the Swipe Up link attached.
Instagram is working on ways to customize the sticker so it’s clear what someone will see when they tap your link. The link stickers feature will only be introduced for Stories, and the platform announced that it had no plans to bring them to the main Instagram feed or other parts of the app. For now…
But if anyone could add links, the links could potentially be used to post spam or spread misinformation? New accounts and accounts that repeatedly share things like hate speech and misinformation, or other content that violates community guidelines won’t have access to the Link sticker feature.
“Add Yours” Sticker for More Engagement in Stories
So what’s next? Instagram has launched a new Add Yours sticker for Stories, which encourages users to reply to content from the stories. In order to create more attractive response threads, when talking about a specific topic, users can respond with their own image.
When people reply, they will be added to the profile bubble that appears on the sticker. Thus, by pressing the sticker, users will be able to see all the answers to the story. This undoubtedly increases participation within the stories on Instagram. And it would be part of the new updates that social media has announced to capture the attention of the youngest audience.
And what about feed updates?
Stories are so much more fun now, and there is a new feature available for Reels and feed posts too. Instagram Collabs allow you to invite someone to collaborate on a Feed post or Reel, so they can share the content with their followers.
This isn’t a new content creation tool, it’s not a new post format and it doesn’t give you any more editing or analytics. You can co-author content with another Instagram user, and the post will show up on both of your profiles.
This way, you’ll be able to share views, likes, and comments and engage with each other’s communities. It’s a great feature for connecting with the new relevant audience so make sure the content works for both collaborator’s feeds.
Are you using Instagram’s latest features? We’d love to know how you like them!
If you would like to find out how to use these new features for your business we are here to help! contact@omeg.co