More Instagram Updates to Know About

In one of our previous posts, we discussed one of IG and FB’s newest feature--stickers in stories that allow followers to make purchases! This is an attempt on their part to help promote small businesses as much as possible during these difficult times.

But check out what else Instagram is doing.

COVID-19 Information

First, like so many companies and people, COVID-19 is on Instagram’s mind. And like Facebook started a COVID-19 hub to fight misinformation, Instagram is also trying to make sure its users get accurate information.

So if you noticed that posts by health organizations you follow are getting a more prominent position in your feed, you are not imagining it.

Easier to Get into Your DMs

Direct messages(DMs) will soon be accessible on the desktop version. This feature has been in beta testing since January, and now it will become a reality.

Many companies have been anxious for this feature as they often manage several accounts, customer relationships and customer service. Typing on a keyboard is just faster, and let’s be honest, when working most of us have approximately 100 tabs open so if we can just toggle between them rather than using another device it is best!

New Ways to Navigate Through Your Stories

Instagram has revealed that it is testing ways to make navigating through your Stories easier. On Twitter, Adam Mosseri asked users to weigh in on what features they would like to see Instagram implement in this regard. Instagram is working with reverse engineering expert, Jane Manchun Wong.

Stories have not taken over as the main form of user experience. The feed is still most used.

More Control

On May 12, 2020 Instagram rolled out a feature it hopes will promote a more positive environment for users by allowing them to control who can tag or mention you in a comment. This is their latest move to fight online bullying.

Instagram had also announced pinned comments. These are meant to set the tone for your accounts. Users can pin a select number of comments at the top of a post!

Delete Comments in Bulk

Another effort to defeat bullying is allowing users to delete comments in bulk. Instagram says, “To enable this feature on iOS, tap on a comment and then the dotted icon in the top right corner. Select Manage Comments and choose up to 25 comments to delete at once. Tap More Options to block or restrict accounts in bulk. To block or restrict accounts on Android, press and hold on a comment, tap the dotted icon and select Block or Restrict.”

Similarly, users can block multiple followers at once.

Instagram’s latest updates and releases seem to be about positivity and accurate information, and that is exciting.

On that note, Adam Mosseri retweeted an NBC tweet about seniors using Instagram for virtual prom!

These are trying times and times where the news can make one feel sad and frustrated, but if one looks hard enough, there are some heart warming and human things happening.