4 New Social Media Features You Need to Know About

Social media is an ever-changing changing landscape. From new app updates to new apps in general, keeping up with what’s hot before it’s not can be exhausting. That’s why this month, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’re sharing four new social media features that you need to know about and implement for your business.

1. TikTok… It's not just for dancing anymore!

We've been shouting from the rooftops for ages that TikTok is the ideal place for brands to go viral, connect with audiences and build loyal followings. Now to top it all off, it's also a place for brands to sell products.

A new partnership with Shopify will allow brands with Shopify stores to add a shopping tab to their TikTok profile. Read all about it here.

2. Brands work hard to get to 10,000 followers so they can add the coveted swipe up link to their Instagram stories.

But have you ever noticed that the swipe up link doesn't really seem optimal for click throughs? You have to add a text overlay or swipe up sticker for followers to notice that your story includes the swipe up link and it's, frankly, easy to miss.

A new Instagram swipe up sticker hopes to change all of this by making embedded links in Instagram stories more obvious to the end user. This month, Instagram announced that it is removing the swipe up functionality and adding it to stories as a sticker instead.

3. Did you know that Facebook Reels was even a thing?

In an effort to slow down TikTok's growth and keep their competition at arm’s length, Facebook is embracing Reels. Facebook Reels will enable users to create and share Instagram Reels within the main Facebook app.

Once a reel is shared to Facebook, that reel will be displayed with the user's Instagram profile. This may provide some relief to brands who are finding growth more challenging than ever on Instagram and Facebook.

4. 60 Second reels are officially on Instagram!

In a not very surprising move, Instagram announced in July that 60 second reels are here for all users. Have you noticed?

We haven't seen a large number of longer reels but we have noticed that many of our clients have not yet gotten the benefit of this increase duration despite the Instagram announcement. Do you have 60 second reels yet? If so, what do you plan to do with them?

Have you seen success implementing any of these new features on your brand’s social? Do tell!

Or have you found a new social media feature that’s been changing the game for your brand? Spill the tea. There’s nothing we love like putting new apps and app features to the true test.

And if just one glance at this blog has you overwhelmed with how you’ll learn yet another new update, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for a quick chat about how we can help you take your social to the next level.

Our Top Instagram Reels Tips

If you’re not using Instagram Reels, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for — DO IT! Not only are Instagram Reels available to everyone, but they boost organic reach and discovery which is followed by a higher engagement rate, and as a result, you’ll receive new followers. Within a short span of time, some Instagram Reels videos have already garnered more than 8 million views and a 13% higher engagement rate than other forms of content on Instagram. Check out our top Instagram Reels tips below.

• Watch what’s trending and put your own unique spin on it.

• Develop a strategy for your Instagram Reels and batch shoot content to save yourself time.

• Use a ring light and a tripod to make filming both seamless and more professional.

• Our favorite app for editing Instagram Reels and building out transitions is InShot.

• When choosing music for your Instagram Reels, make sure you’re following copyright guidelines.

• Have fun with filters.

• Add dynamic text that comes and goes for further explanation within your Instagram Reels for those that watch with the sound off. And when doing so — think square! If you plan on sharing your Reel on your profile, you’ll need to think inside the Instagram square because once it’s posted to your profile, the video will be cut into a square.

• When in doubt, save in drafts for additional editing.

• After finalizing your Instagram Reel, always save the video to your camera roll so you can repurpose the content on your social networks of choice.

• In terms of posting to Instagram, only add a cover photo if it’s a graphic overlay that explains what your Instagram Reel is about. Otherwise, the last thing you want to do is add a stock photo that will make it blend in with the rest of the content on your grid.

• Captions count. Don’t disregard a caption because the video takes centerstage... remember you are publishing this to your feed, too!

• On the same note, don’t forget to include hashtags with Instagram Reels.

• Stats indicate that between 3 and 4 pm is the best time range to post.

• Finally, don’t forget to share all of your Instagram Reels to stories for optimal reach.