New Instagram Updates and Top Features in 2022
Instagram is unstoppable. While the rest of the world struggles to remain resilient, especially back from the pandemic, it is thrilling to watch how Instagram can still swiftly create new features and functions to address major business concerns and assist users in supporting their favorite companies.
Nowadays, it is even harder to keep up with Instagram as they consistently introduce new innovations and features.
To keep you on track and up to speed with the newest Instagram upgrades, we've compiled a list of the most recent updates you may not know or understand how to utilize.
New Instagram Updates 2022
Reels New Features and Updates 2022
1. You can now add the 'Add yours' sticker to your Reels
The new Instagram update 2022 for Reels can now add the 'Add yours' sticker. Through this addition, creators can now publish a more engaging Reel video by allowing their followers to continue the tale by adding their own perspectives within the Reel. It is quite clever for Instagram to attach this new feature as it encourages its users to participate in the videos.
The 'Add yours' sticker is really simple to apply. Simply hit the "Sticker" icon and choose the sticker you wish to use. Then press the "Add" button. That's all! The sticker will then be applied to your Reel!
2. New Reels Template and Dual Recording Features
New Reels template and dual recording features are the recent Instagram updates that can help creators. The new Reels template efficiently assists creators in creating Reels more quickly and conveniently. It is also very user-friendly for beginners. Moreover, the dual recording feature allows users to film videos simultaneously using their front and rear cameras. This new Instagram update for 2022 is a simpler way for creators to record two separate perspectives.
3. Auto-Generated Captions on Reels
This new Instagram update makes Reels more accessible for people with hearing impairments. The new update on Reels is seamless as auto-generated captions can be automatically produced. But if you do not like to have auto-captions, you can opt to turn it off by tapping "Advanced Settings" in the upload options and clicking the "Captions" button. Moreover, you can also just simply turn the captions on and off by clicking on the overflow menu and selecting "Manage Captions."
4. New Audio Features in Instagram Reels
The following are the new audio features in Instagram Reels that you can use to elevate your content:
Text-to-Speech
This update allows you to type in a text simply, and a preferred voiceover will narrate your video if you don't feel good about putting your voice out there.
Adjust Volume and Add a Voiceover
You may locate them once you've completed your Reel by tapping the music note symbol on the preview screen.
Import Audio
You may overlay audio from any Reel in your collection over your video by importing it from your library.
Importing your own Audio in Reels
This new innovative feature enables users to record whatever sound material and use it as the sound for their videos.
Longer Timeframe for Reels Videos
Users may now upload videos that can span from 60 to 90 seconds.
Interactive Stickers in Reels
To make Reels as engaging as Stories, a new Instagram update in 2022 allows creators to add interactive stickers such as emoji sliders, polls, and quizzes.
New Editing Tools for Reels
If you haven't already noticed, editing your Instagram Reels has become more seamless and easier to edit. It is all thanks to their improved editing tools. This is the best new Instagram update in 2022 so far! Because of this, you can now trim and remove videos, reorganize their sequences, and even add some filters.
Reels and Videos Tabs Combined
For the new Instagram update 2022, the video tab is eliminated. This means that all your past videos can now be seen on the Reels tab; the previous videos will remain as videos and not Reels. However, the succeeding videos you'll upload shall be automatically converted as Reels.
5. Grid Pinning
For the new Instagram update 2022, you can now pin at least three photos at the top of your grid in your profile. To pin photos in your grid, just press the three dots in the top-right corner of the photo and select the 'Pin to your Profile button.
6. New Messaging Features
This year, Instagram has improved its messaging features to make communication among its users easier. Their new messaging updates include:
Active Now
This new messaging feature will show who among your friends is active on Instagram at the moment. It makes chatting a lot easier since you already see those who are active at the top of your messages.
Quick Sent
Through the 'quick sent' feature, you can now DM your friends content that you want to share directly with them. For you to use this feature, long tap on the 'arrow' icon, then the avatar icons of your friends will pop up.
Silent Mode
This new Instagram update 2022 allows you to send a DM without sending a push notification to your recipient.
New Music Sharing
New music sharing is meant for those people who love to share some song recommendations. Through this new feature, you can now share 30-second clips of songs via DM.
7. "Like" Instagram Stories
Now, not only are the posts you can 'like,' but stories too! Instagram just made an option for you to like a story — simply by pressing the 'heart' icon at the lower right corner of your screen. Your 'like' will only be seen by the person who posted the story.
8. Instagram Maps Update
Instagram is working to enhance the Map feature. The latest version adds the ability to search for enterprises by category. You can locate companies near you and learn more about them using the new Instagram update 2022 search map. If you're in search of a particular type of business or want to see what's around, this might be handy.
Use the updated Instagram search map to easily search for a town or a nearby place. Zoom out and then click 'Search this Area.' The search results will show local businesses classified by industry or kind.
9. Instagram New Subscriptions Feature for Creators
This upgrade allows creators to create unique materials that are exclusively available to their followers. The content that creators can create can be Reels or any Instagram post. A separate section on the Creator's profile is also available for subscribers where they can view subscribers-exclusive materials.
In addition to that, Instagram even announced new updates for the Subscriptions feature. Here's the latest update:
Subscriber Posts - Creators have the option to post any Instagram post exclusive to their subscribers only.
Subscriber Chats - Creators can now invite their subscribers to an exclusive group chat.
Subscriber Reels - Creators have the option to post any Instagram Reels exclusive for their subscribers only.
Subscriber Home - An additional tab in your Instagram Home for subscribers-only content
Conclusion
Instagram is rapidly evolving and enhancing its user experience on a daily basis. From simple changes like shifting some of the icons around to major ones like adding totally new features, this social networking powerhouse will never bore you.
We hope this post helped you catch up on some of the most recent Instagram upgrades. But if you're too busy to keep up, don't worry! Social Media Managers have your back! SMART VAs social media managers are up to date with any social media platform's latest updates and new features. So you can relax that your content is always on trend because SMART VAs' social media managers can handle them for you! Book a discovery call now.