Instagram continues to evolve to enhance user experience and functionality, with several new features and updates rolled out in November 2024. Whether you're managing a personal account or representing a social media marketing agency in Orange County, these updates offer new opportunities for engagement and efficiency. Here's a breakdown of what's happening on the platform this month:
Instagram is experimenting with the placement of its Direct Messages (DM) icon. You may notice it now sits in the middle of the bottom navigation bar, making it more prominent and easily accessible. This change could be part of Instagram’s ongoing efforts to prioritize private messaging on the platform.
Instagram has introduced a new collage mode for Stories, allowing users to seamlessly share multiple images within a single story. This update is perfect for those who love creating dynamic, visually engaging Stories without using external apps. If you have this feature, why not try it out and add some flair to your Stories?
Your Stories Highlights are moving to a new location! Instagram is rolling out a dedicated Highlights tab, much like the Reels tab. This change will make it easier to showcase and organize your evergreen content. The update began on November 19, so if you don’t see it yet, it’s likely on its way.
Managing DMs could soon get a lot easier. Instagram is testing new DM filter options to help users sort through their messages more efficiently. Whether you’re separating personal chats from professional inquiries or prioritizing unread messages, this feature could save you valuable time, especially for those handling multiple accounts in a social media marketing agency setting.
Tired of seeing irrelevant posts on your feed? Instagram now lets you hit the reset button on its algorithm recommendations. This update allows you to “start fresh” and recalibrate the type of content Instagram suggests based on your preferences. For social media experts in Orange County, this offers a great opportunity to refine your content strategy and ensure you're getting the most relevant suggestions.
Cleaning up your followers list is simpler with Instagram’s new “Deactivated Accounts” category. This feature lets you identify and remove inactive or deactivated profiles from your community. For agencies and businesses, this makes it easier to maintain a high-quality, engaged following. One account reportedly found over 160 inactive profiles—how many might you have?
In a surprising move, Instagram is phasing out the option to follow hashtags. This feature once allowed users to see hashtag-related posts directly in their feed. Its removal has sparked discussions among users and marketers alike about how this will affect content discovery on the platform, especially for businesses and social media experts seeking new ways to reach their target audience.
Instagram’s latest updates reflect its focus on improving user experience, simplifying account management, and enhancing the creative tools available to its community. Whether you’re a casual user, a social media marketing agency in Orange County, or a social media expert, these changes provide new opportunities to engage, create, and connect.
Which update are you most excited about? For more social media news and tips, stay tuned to Big Hype Marketing’s blog!