Facebook recently released a new report on what Instagram users expect from brands in 2019. (Just a quick reminder as to why Facebook is releasing this information; Facebook owns Instagram.) In this report, 57% of the users polled say that they use Instagram more than they did a year ago and 44% say that they will use it more in the coming year. Within the past two years alone, Instagram has gained half a billion new users and Instagram Stories now have 500 million daily users.
In the same findings, Facebook reported, “When we asked people what they associated with Instagram, some of their top responses were that the platform allows interaction with celebrities and influencers. Additionally, 2 in 3 respondents (66%) told us that Instagram is a platform that allows interaction with brands.”
Naturally, the next thing we wanted to know from this research is what Instagram users want to see from brands. These are their findings:
Image via Facebook
This chart can be summed up to say that users want to see short and sweet, creative and properly targeted content. Given its status as an aesthetics platform, this comes as no surprise to us.
Social Media Today also reported that it seems like Instagram will be introducing a new feature that would allow users to share a direct link, a separate URL, back to an IG Story. In addition to saving your Stories to your Highlights, this would be a great approach for businesses and brands who want to make the most of their Story content.
We also like to follow the movers and the shakers in the industry, as they are often the ones to share the information first when changes are made to a platform. One of my personal favorites to follow is Eva Chen, the director of fashion partnerships at Instagram. So not only does she have great style, she makes learning about new features fun!
In a recent Q+A with Chen (as she was live on IG Stories no less), she discussed the top tactics for running your Instagram like a pro.
- Consistency is key
- A perfect feed isn’t everything
- Engage with your followers through direct messages and through your posts
- Use all posting tools that Instagram offers (IGTV, IG Stories, traditional posting)
- Always use hashtags
- Geotag when possible/it makes sense
When you’re posting, run through these tactics like a checklist. While these are all things that we consistently teach and practice, it’s a nice little reminder when you see them all written out.
During the same Q+A, Chen also dropped some useful advice for Instagram users in general. Always makes sure that your two-factor authentication is on. The feature beefs up your security and prevents account hacks.
In closing, Chen noted that one of the most important things you can do when posting to Instagram is to optimize your post for the overall Instagram feed and not for your grid. While we absolutely believe in maintaining a strong and organized grid, we agree that your content should not be compromised to do so.
So, with all of that being said, Instagram shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. But how do you make the most of the social media platform for your brand? As social media managers, we like to keep a few tricks up our sleeves to stay on top of the Instagram strategy. If you need a hand getting your digital presence up to par, we’ve got you! Give us a call at (888) 632-4499 to set up your free consultation!
