If you remember when Instagram’s logo was a Polaroid camera, you know just how much the social media platform has evolved over the years.
With the rise of competitors like TikTok, which is now Gen Z’s favorite platform, Instagram has had to evolve to meet the demands of its users.
Business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals need to be aware of the updates and new features of the platform and how to use them.
We cover both in this guide to the key Instagram updates in 2024.
What’s New on the Gram? 5 Interesting Instagram Updates for 2024
Instagram’s current look was last updated in the spring of 2023. According to their official announcement, the new look featured:
- A new, vibrant gradient that looks illuminated and alive
- A new typeface—Instagram Sans.
- A new content-forward layout.
While these all contribute to the overall user experience, some other features and updates were rolled out in late 2023 and into 2024 that will make a big impact. Here are five key Instagram updates and trends you need to know about:
1. AI Content Labeling
As AI continues to rapidly evolve and change how we create and consume content, Instagram—via parent company Meta—is “working with industry partners on common technical standards for identifying AI content, including video and audio.”
This includes two key updates to the platform:
- Instagram will begin labeling photorealistic images created by Meta’s AI as “imagined with AI.”
- Instagram is working to also be able to label content created with other companies’ AI tools, too.
- Users will soon see AI content labeled on Instagram (and Threads) and Facebook, making it easier to identify what’s made with AI.
Also on the AI front, Instagram has recently rolled out the use of AI-generated stickers in Stories and DMs. This allows you to create custom stickers to respond and connect with other users.
2. Stricter Message Settings for Teens
Meta announced new steps to limit teens’ ability to see potentially inappropriate content on both Instagram and Facebook in January 2024. At the same time, they introduced new nighttime nudges that prompt teens to close the app and go to sleep.
Both of these 2024 Instagram updates are part of growing concerns around the impacts of social media on young people and the responsibilities of both parents and platforms to regulate usage.
3. Prompts and Location Tags on Instagram Notes
While many older users aren’t aware of the Notes feature in Instagram, young users are—and they love it.
One new 2024 Instagram update is group chat conversation starters for notes. The purpose, according to the head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, is to give people more ways to participate and express themselves by connecting with friends in notes.
Instagram also test-ran adding location tags to notes to allow users to connect with others in the same area or share favorite spots.
4. Instagram Threads
Launched in July 2023, Instagram Threads is likely to be a continued area of development in 2024. It was initially created as a direct competitor to X (formerly Twitter) as a text-based platform.
Threads was met with massive initial success, growing to 100 million active users in 10 days, but usage declined rapidly—app usage was down 79% just one month after the launch.
However, data from those users who remained on the platform describe Threads as “new, innovative, and disruptive”, and some spend more time on there than other text-dominant platforms like X (Twitter), Reddit, and Tumblr.
As Threads approaches its first anniversary this year, it will be interesting to see how the platform grows and develops. Instagram will likely continue to prioritize important changes and updates to keep it relevant and impactful in 2024.
5. Creators Earn More
Instagram shared in November 2023 that they are building a suite of tools to help creators make more money. These updates included:
- Testing a holiday bonus for creators that use reels and photos.
- Higher earnings for creators who have over one million subscriptions.
- Instagram gifts for creators to get support from their fans.
- Making it easier for creators to participate in ads and offer branded content.
These updates are not all available in every country, but Instagram will likely continue to update eligibility and offer more ways to earn money on the platform.
Leveraging Instagram for Business in 2024
These changes and trends to Instagram in 2024 are centered around trends and developments in social media and technology as a whole:
The development and impact of AI on content creation and consumption.
The balance between attracting young people to the platform (i.e., competing with TikTok for Gen Z’s attention) and protecting young people from the potentially harmful effects of social media use.
The continuing evolution of new platforms, features, and compensation opportunities to stay relevant and competitive.
Business owners and entrepreneurs should keep this in mind when considering how to engage with the platform in 2024. It’s important to understand how the social media landscape changes and evolves so you can leverage it in a way that’s both impactful and ethical.
With that in mind, here are some key ways to leverage Instagram for business in 2024:
- Leverage AI wisely: As Instagram starts tagging AI content, creators need to be on their best behavior. AI is best used to boost creativity and innovation, not to manipulate the way things look or behave in real life (i.e., unrealistic editing).
- Try out new features: Threads, notes, content creation opportunities, and more Instagram features are constantly changing and evolving. Stay on top of what’s current and new to see if it resonates with your audience.
- Create more: Instagram seeks to financially incentivize creators so they stay on the platform. Instead of only using social media to drive potential clients to your current income-generating operations, consider how you can create on the platform and generate income from it.
- Know your audience: Just as Instagram rolls out features to capture the attention of specific demographics (i.e., notes for Gen Z), it’s important that you also know your audience. Who uses Instagram? Are you targeting your ideal demographic there? Is it the best choice for your social media presence?
Instagram, and social media more broadly, are an important part of building a personal brand, boosting customer engagement, and furthering your reach as a small business. Staying on top of trends and new developments can help ensure you’re using the platform to its full capacity.
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