Adding to the already vibrant horizon of social media tools, Instagram recently introduced Instagram Guides- an interesting new feature for recommendations and other scrollable content. But is this new feature really a permanent addition or just another social media fad waiting to fade away?
Adding to the already vibrant horizon of social media tools, Instagram recently introduced Instagram Guides- an interesting new feature for recommendations and other scrollable content. But is this new feature really a permanent addition or just another social media fad waiting to fade away?
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Initially introduced with a focus on wellness, mental health and Covid-19 resources, Guides is now on its way to expansion. Instagram is working to make it available to creators, influencers and businesses. The tool is also being developed to allow them to make place & product recommendations amongst others.
While its current format involving sharable photos and videos may seem restrictive from a brand and business perspective, Instagram Guides has a much larger goal- allowing users to post & share longer scrollable content along with photos, videos & stories from the creator’s own profile. What makes this development interesting is the power it gives brands and businesses to use their Instagram profile as a platform for sharing product information, tips and advice, thereby increasing traffic to their profile & a larger number of followers! It can expand to many genres and inculcate valuable information be it giving fashion tips, entrepreneurial leadership tips, DIY hacks, technological tricks, or anything else, after all knowledge is an investment.
Based on models being tested, Instagram Guides will soon include options to create new Feed Posts, Stories, post to IGTV or reels, and create new Guides. Not only will users be able to make recommendations, but will also be allowed to recommend a series of posts & stories. Not just a brand or creator’s friend, Instagram Guides can also mould into an influencer’s workflows, making it easier for influencers & brands to increase their affiliate revenue & direct more users to sponsored posts!
While they show great promise, these new Instagram Guide features are bound to change as we go along. With its new & dynamic way to create, curate & consume content, Instagram Guides is all set to open up new opportunities for story-telling on the app & is definitely poised to be the next big thing for creators, businesses & brands!