Instagram introduces suite of innovative features to enhance user engagement
What's the story
Instagram has launched a range of new features for its Stories, aimed at providing users with creative methods to share content and interact. The most significant among these is the "Reveal" feature, which allows users to post a hidden Story accessible only through a direct message (DM) by their followers. This feature can be used by tapping the stickers icon while creating a Story and selecting the "Reveal" option.
Feature
Reveal: A new way to boost engagement
The "Reveal" feature requires users to give a hint about their hidden story, which will only be visible to followers who send a DM. This feature is particularly beneficial for creators as it can significantly increase interaction with their Stories. Instagram has assured creators that they won't need to approve every DM for their Story to be revealed, thus easing concerns about managing large volumes of DMs.
Music sticker
'Add Yours' sticker now gets a music add-on
In addition to "Reveal," Instagram is also introducing an "Add Your Music" sticker for Stories. This interactive feature allows users to share a song that mirrors their current mood, and encourages followers to do the same. It builds upon Instagram's existing "Add yours" sticker, which lets users respond to others' Stories on a specific topic or prompt.
Creative tools
Instagram debuts 'Frames' and 'Cutouts' features for enhanced creativity
Instagram is also launching "Frames," a feature that transforms a photo into a virtual Polaroid, viewable by shaking the phone or clicking the "Shake to reveal" button. The "Frames" sticker automatically adds the date and timestamp of when the photo was taken, permitting users to add a caption on the virtual Polaroid. Another new tool is "Cutouts," which lets users create custom stickers from parts of any video/photo in their camera roll, similar to Apple's image cutout tool.
Algorithm changes
Instagram modifies ranking systems to promote original content
These innovative features come as Instagram announces changes to its ranking systems, aimed at promoting content from smaller, original creators. As part of these modifications, Instagram is prioritizing original content over reposts in recommendations. The platform is also adding labels to reposted content, and removing content aggregators from recommendations. This move follows months of criticism from creators who felt their reach was negatively affected by the algorithm.