Instagram: Everything You Need to Know
Welcome to our “Everything You Need To Know About” series, where we highlight the ins and outs of top social media platforms. For our second installment, we are diving into Instagram!
What is Instagram?
Instagram is a photo-sharing app that broke onto the scene in 2010. The brand’s mission is “to capture and share the world’s moments” – evolving from solely photographs to then video, Stories, Highlights, Reels, and so on.
Users can choose between having a professional or personal Instagram account. A personal account gives you the basic features like posting, sharing, liking, etc. You can also decide whether you would like to be private – content is only seen by your selected followers – or public – content is seen by anyone.
A professional account takes you to the next level by giving you the option to be a creator or business. Under these categories, users can sell merchandise, link posts, share contact information, provide titles, and receive business insights within the app.
What Content Features Does Instagram Offer?
With Instagram, you get a variety of content features. First, you have posts where users can share videos or photos with followers. Before posting, you can edit with filters (both in and out of the app), write a caption, tag users, add a location, and more.
The platform then added Stories and Highlights to the mix. Instagram Stories are a more laid-back posting feature. Since they only last 24 hours, users feel more inclined to share unedited, behind-the-scenes, and day-to-day content. If they want to organize past Stories, they can save Stories as Highlights on their profile.
To compete with the worldwide sensation TikTok, Instagram launched Reels. Reels are short videos users make for their followers and, potentially, the Instagram Explore Page. Many users started turning to this content style, as Instagram’s algorithm favors Reel videos.
What Social Features Does Instagram Have?
Instagram users can comment, like, and send posts to each other via direct message. Within the platform’s messenger, you can also send stickers, Story replies, and photos that expire (similar to Snapchat).
A key element of Instagram is users’ ability to share public posts to their Stories. If they want to share resources, a tagged photo, inform others about an event, etc., users can re-post that content to their Stories – essentially linking and re-directing viewers to that post. This social feature helps circulate content quickly.
Another unique Instagram feature is its Explore Page. The Explore Page is a tab on the site full of curated content the algorithm thinks you would engage with. This page helps content creators get discovered, and everyday users find content that fits their interests.
One of the newer social features on the platform is Instagram’s Shop tab. Here you can search for products, brands, and sales. Like any other store’s website, you can add items to your cart and proceed with checkout on the app (sometimes they even give you a discount code when you do so!)
Why Should You Join Instagram?
With their profile setup, you can build a more cohesive feed.
Messaging happens within the app.
You can re-share other users’ posts directly to your Stories.
The platform has a balance of more casual content – Stories and Highlights – and intentional content – posts and Reels.
Instagram Highlights let users savor important moments, save segments, and personalize their profile.
Users can collaborate on posts with brands and other users.
Hashtags are searchable and help organize content on the platform.
The Instagram Explore Page promotes content tailored to your interests and activity.
Shops can link products within posts to boost traction to their website.
Brands can establish their credibility by setting up a business account or getting verified.
If you have a professional account, your activity insights update within the app.
What once was a one-dimensional platform is now a powerhouse app full of endless opportunities. If you want to feel old, visit here to see what Instagram looked like over ten years ago!
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