The Top 3 Instagram Updates - January 2022

As with all social media platforms they continue to change and grow. And as digital marketers, it's our job to stay up-to-date with the current trends. Today we are taking to Instagram, possibly one of the most confusing algorithms out there, Instagram is relentless for making changes and updates across the app. Especially over the past 12 months and as we move into 2022 we can expect even more changes.

1) Chronological and Suggested Content Feeds

Perhaps the most anticipated change for this year is that Instagram is bringing in chronological and suggested content feeds. I know we were just as surprised.

It seems after much discussion Instagram can listen to its audience. Users will now have the option to choose how their home feed looks, by selecting either home, favourite or following. So what does one mean?

The home page will look very similar to what we already have. With Instagram selecting content based on how interested they think you are in the content.

Favourites - A list of your favourite people. You will get to select who you see, that might be family, friends or your favourite creator.

Following - Following will be a chronological list that allows you to see the latest content.

2) Video, Video, Video

In an effort to become more than a photo-sharing app Instagram continues to push video. With reels and IGTV, Instagram will continue to reward users who share video content on the platform.

‘We’re no longer a photo-sharing app.’’ - Adam Mosseri.

Adam's announcement sticks with the theme of Instagram now being dedicated to providing the user with more entertainment and with the likes of TikTok transforming the social media space it's easy to see why they want to adopt this model.

As well as reels and IGTV we should be prepared for Instagram to bring and explore more video ideas to the app in 2022. We've seen reports that Instagram is testing a vertical Instagram Stories feed, however, nothing has yet been confirmed.

3) Creators

It seems 2022 is the year Instagram begins to work and help its creators on the platforms. For the past few years, Instagram content creators have been asking the app to help create an algorithm that will play in their favour.

This year Instagram will roll out their native creator affiliate program more widely which will enable more creators who have fewer followers to benefit from selling products on behalf of brands. This also makes the process of brands and creators working together much easier and removes the need for complex contracts.

In addition to this Instagram is also set to launch 'Creator Shops', a space where creators can share their favourite products from brands to their followers, which will allow them to earn commission on the items.

Instagram continues to grow and expand as it should in this era of social media. It seems the app is starting to finally find its feet again and users are excited to create/be on the platform once again. As always expect more changes to the platform in the near future.

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