Meta-owned Instagram has been constantly adding new and exciting features to enhance user experience. As more and more users continue to join the platform through 2023, Instagram is rolling out updates for creators, influencers and everyone else on the app.
In the last few years, Instagram has moved away from being a purely photo-sharing app to one where Reels and Stories are drawing more and more Gen Z users. Everything from travel, food and fashion to health and fitness, creators have turned the platform into an addictive destination for those looking for the latest trends.
Reels have especially given Instagram a major boost in content diversity and user base. Many users have turned into overnight stars owing to the popularity of their reels. Keeping creators in mind, Instagram launched or started testing an array of features in 2022 to help them reach out to wider demography, make their content more engaging, create content seamlessly and earn more for their work.
Features such as Gifts helped creators receive rewards from fans. They could also create digital collectibles, or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for trade on the platform. Gaining special ‘achievements’ by doing specific things such as creating content in collaboration with another creator through Collabs tool was also among other things.
With the Dual feature, creators can now use both the front and rear cameras simultaneously to make a Reel. Further, content can now be scheduled for publication at a later time and date for up to 75 days. The ability to re-share posts in Feed like that in Stories was also introduced.
Instagram also brought in remixed videos, 3D avatars in Stories and DMs, and the ability to ‘like’ a Story among the many new features through 2022 for both Android and iOS users.
As Instagram becomes larger in terms of user base alongside an increasing number of influencers on the platform, it is expected that 2023 will see feature updates that focus on content creation.
Instagram update 2023: Which feature is in and out
Navigation system change and removal of the Shop tab
In the first major update of the year, Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, revealed a change in the app navigation system in a video on 10 January. He confirmed that the Shop tab within the app will no longer be available from February.
“But you’ll still be able to shop on Feed, in Stories, in Reels and in ads,” Mosseri said.
📣 Navigation Update 📣
The navigation is changing in February to make it easier for people to create, be entertained and connect with friends over the things they love.https://t.co/9tR4kIH9d0 pic.twitter.com/DwinENhku7
— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) January 10, 2023
Speaking about Instagram’s new navigation system, he said that users will now be able to see Home, Search, Create, Reels and Profile tabs in that order on the Meta-owned platform.
“The idea here is to simplify Instagram and focus it more on what we’re trying to do,” said Mosseri, adding that the aim is to “bring people together over what they love.”
(Main image: Deeksha Pahariya/@ahskeed/Unsplash; Featured image: Benyamin Bohlouli/@benyamin_bohlouli/Unsplash)
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur
