Have you heard about the newest Instagram update stating, “Instagram is no longer a photo sharing app”? We want to chime in to share our perspective on this announcement that’s having Instagram users frantically learning video editing and building their Instagram shops.
Take a deep breath, because we believe this news was interpreted in the wrong way by many viewers.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, announced in an IGTV video that “Instagram is no longer a photo sharing app, or no longer a square photo sharing app”. I interpret this as IG no longer wants to be seen as a photo sharing app whose only job is to share content (as Instagram had started out). I believe IG wants to expand into other areas of content and sharing.
To avoid the confusion the newest Instagram update has caused, perhaps it should have read like this: “Instagram is no longer just a photo sharing app”.
Instagram recently shared that they’ll have an upcoming focus on four key areas: Creators, Video, Shopping and Messaging. This reinforces the importance of retailers using this app with the emphasis on shopping, creating video content and messaging.
As it stands today, Instagram is still a photo-sharing platform with the options to build a shop, create other forms of content (such as IG Stories and Reels), and message other users.
When Instagram started out in 2010, posting an image that could be “liked” by other users was the only content option. Since then, so many more ways to create content have been introduced—most of which contain video.
Are you utilizing the video features on Instagram to their fullest potential? As Instagram has clearly stated, they’re trying to compete with other social media channels, such as TikTok, and are integrating more video into the app.
Want an easy content idea that uses an IG effect, filming in the app, and features yourself or a team member? Our training video on how to use Instagram’s Green Screen Effect can help you make even more engaging content for your page!
What I want you to take away from this blog:
- Don’t panic! The newest Instagram Update isn’t saying they will no longer allow photo-sharing.
- Try to focus on creating quality content around video, use messages and include a CTA to message in your captions, and build up your IG shop.
- Use as many features as you can within the IG app. They are always releasing new features and they may reward content that utilizes them.
- Integrate more video into your content by sharing video in your Stories, Feed, through IG Reels, IGTV, and Lives.
I want to hear from you!
Did the newest Instagram update originally have you worrying? We get it, and that’s one of the main benefits of becoming an Insider member. Our Insider Members receive up-to-date video training on all the new features and releases that come with the ever-changing industry of social media.
Learn more about becoming a Crystal Media Insider, where we’ve been covering the ongoing changes of social media marketing through the lens of retailers since 2012!
Leave a Reply