Want to put a spin on your social media strategy? Check out these Instagram updates
By: Carel Van Apeldoorn
Tags: Campaign, Sales, Marketing, Instagram, Startup

Want to put a spin on your social media strategy? Check out these Instagram updates

One of the most frequent questions we receive is: “how can I be successful on Instagram?”

As if there was ever a simple answer to getting to the coveted place which dreams are made of. However, we know as much: it’s one percent inspiration and 98 percent perspiration.

When it comes to Instagram it’s also one percent using the latest Instagram updates. Yes, you betcha! Using the latest tools and Instagram updates will get you the edge you need to cut ahead.

Luckily, Instagram updates are popping up every other week. The latest ones include a way to get your hands on all the precious data you’ve created and generated while on the platform.

There is a counter that measures your time on Instagram, a new commenting interface and a musical update that will definitely give you some good vibes. So, if you’re ready to put in the one percent (okay - three - because it also requires some perspiration), here goes:

Instagram data download finally available

Should we say this is long due? We could, but it wouldn’t help anyone. What’s important is that from now on, you can make use of all the data you created and generated on the platform. This is one of the most exciting Instagram updates lately.

Since we bet you’re equally excited, we suggest you get right down to business and ask for your Instagram data here. For now, you can only enquire for your data on the desktop version of the platform.

Oh, and arm yourself with patience. Depending on how long you’ve been activating on Instagram it might take a while. But hey, it’s totally worth it since you can export all your photos, videos,

Stories, comments, messages and other data related to your bio and profile. If you’re a mobile puritan, you’ll need to have even more patience, as access through iOS and Android is still to be implemented.

While this is a useful feature indeed, it didn’t span out of Instagram’s pure initiative. Maybe they had their plans, but the new GDPR privacy updates made a must as soon as possible.

Whatever the reason, we’re glad Instagram came to this reasonable conclusion. As we all know, trying to keep somebody around by locking their options isn’t…well…an option.

Usage insights to reveal how much time you spent on Instagram

While the usage insights feature is not yet rolled out on the market, it’s been confirmed by Instagram’s CEO, Kevin Systrom, who tweeted that in response to a TechCrunch article:

It’s true. RT @TechCrunch: Code buried in Instagram’s Android app reveals a “Usage Insights” feature that will show users their “time spent”

We’re not yet sure what to say about this one, as well — there’s not a lot more info available. However, the simple news that soon we’ll be able to see how much time we spent (or spend?) on Instagram is exciting and frightening at the same time.

Looking on the bright side, this might be good for everybody, as it will help us manage our time with our devices more wisely. And brands alike.

Right now, we have no solid info whether the insights will show the total time spend on the platform or give you a constant overview of daily, weekly and monthly stats. What’s sure is that companies and social media managers will now have even more stats to establish usage patterns and even use these to tweak their strategies.

Instagram Stories, the musical

Instagram Stories have become a hit among followers and their rising popularity is strong proof of this. Honestly, it’s not a surprise.

Instagram Stories is versatile, authentic, fun and in the moment. Aaaand it’s also privileged, as it has lately received a ton of updates, with things only looking to intensify in the next few months.

Now, rumor has it that Instagram plans to add music clips in the form of stickers as a new functionality to Stories. That means that soon, users will be able to add their favourite songs as a soundtrack to their Stories.

The music sticker will be placed along the regular array of already available stickers. But that’s not all, it seems that hidden in the android app code, programmers have also found a song auto-detection feature. Could this also be the next best thing coming? We sure hope so!

If you are a regular Instagram user, the music stickers are going to be utterly fun to use and we can’t wait to see some stellar user-generated content. On the other hand, if you’re using Instagram for business, buckle up ’cause great things are coming.

Your creative options for campaigns will get so much richer. Good news all the way.

Let’s go all the way.

Now it’s time to put in the rest of 96 percent perspiration and call on the one percent inspiration to plan on how to implement these new Instagram updates.

Sure, it might take a while more until Instagram roll out all of them, but you should definitely think ahead. A great strategist plans for what’s to come way before those things come. Speaking of planning in advance, don’t forget to schedule your Instagram posts with Preppr.

This way you’ll have plenty of time to ponder upon these new cool Instagram updates and how to play with them. And, don’t forget to share your thoughts with us! We’d love to hear what you think.