Instagram Update: What Do You Think?
The head of Instagram made an announcement this week and it has rocked the blogger community. There has been no end of discussion, chats and polls created to see what the general consensus is among content creators. If you missed it, here’s everything you need to know about what was said and what it means for bloggers.
What Was Said?
Adam Mosseri (head of Instagram) took to live video to announce that “Instagram is no longer a photo-sharing app”. He said that research shows that the number one reason users use Instagram is to be entertained and the entertainment trend is heavily video-focused.
There is no denying that TikTok and Youtube are huge and content creators are able to access new audiences via this vertical.
Adam informed us that over the next few months we should expect to see change within Instagram. These changes will be seen across the entire app in the recommendations tab, in your feeds, a new ability to follow topics in the feed will be launching very soon,
Ultimately, Instagram wants to embrace video completely across the app for creators, users, researchers, consumers and more.
Get ready for lots of testing and experimenting over the next couple of months. If they are anything like Instagram tests of the past, lots will feel completely pointless and against any kind of user experience so let’s see!
What Do I Think Of These Changes?
As a content creator, it is quite daunting. I’m not the only one to admit that content fatigue is real these days. As bloggers, we research, write, take photos, edit, share and reshare. To add video content into the mix means more hours working on a platform that simply does not give us the growth we want.
I am open to embracing the new lean into video, I just want to ensure that my content stays at a high quality. Being original can feel like a task all in itself and video content is more time-consuming – there’s no denying it.
I love making content so I am going to jump on the bandwagon in the best way I can and keep putting out the content I love to create and consume.
Sadly, I get the feeling that if we restrict ourselves to static snaps and stories only, we may miss out on large opportunities for Instagram growth. I don’t want my stubbornness to be the reason my blog isn’t seen by new audiences.
What Do You Think Of These Changes?
What The Ladies From Frappe & Fashion Say…
“Personally, I am not a big fan of reels. I like consuming videos on Youtube which are informative, fun or educational but honestly, don’t seem to get the same quality of information from most reels. They are good for scrolling but not something I would seek out to watch. The only time I actually watch reels is when I want to make one and need some inspiration.
As a creator and blogger, I don’t want to make reels! Its extra work for content I cannot really repurpose for my blog, unlike photos.
From a marketing and advertising perspective, I don’t believe reels work. They are fast moving images so its not easy to see the book on your bedside table or the brand of wine you are drinking. I am quite confused as to why Instagram thinks its a good business strategy to push this out.
All in all, not a fan but interested to see if this will actually take off or go the Twitter fleets way.”
Check their amazing blog out here.
Here’s What Izzy From Izzy Matias Blog Thinks…
“It’s no surprise that video content is now Instagram’s focus, but I wish they would still prioritise photo content. I felt a little disheartened since it’s been hard to grow on Instagram without using Reels. While I do enjoy watching reels, as a content creator, it definitely takes more time and effort to create video content. I still prefer written content/blog posts to videos.”
“Do reels affect my blog? Right now, no, since I don’t use it. But in the future, when reels becomes available in my country and I see that it drives significant growth to my blog, then I will prioritise it. As of now, I’m just hoping Instagram makes it available in my country.”
Visit Izzy’s amazing blog here.
Merry From Merry Monodreame’s Opinions…
“Personally, when I started using Instagram for my blog in 2020, I keep getting views from my account – whether it’s from my feeds or stories. In 2021, since the algorithm change, I saw my numbers of views or likes decreasing and it’s hard for me to stay present.”
“I find myself struggling with the new update. I know Instagram is no longer a photo sharing platform now. The platform want to compete with other platforms and therefore, they plan to expand on video sharing (now video content is the “it” thing). Instagram wants us (creators) to keep producing reels (to present ourselves) more often. This could mean photos become less of a priority for Instagram.”
“I haven’t tried reels myself. I might give it try and see how’s it going. However, I doubt this will help creators in the long run as the algorithm will be constantly updated.”
Merry’s blog can be found here!
Caroline From Enviroline Blog Said This…
“For me, Instagram is and always has been about posting photos so when reels were first introduced I was not a fan. I don’t watch many either, unless it is something I’m genuinely interested in. I’ve created about 6 reels so far, one of them got over 1k views but apart from that I haven’t got much out of it. They don’t benefit my blog and I struggle to come up with enough ideas. But saying all of that, I am willing to give reels another go.”
Her lovely blog can be found here.
Richie From Richie’s Room Says This…
“I may be in the minority but I rarely use Instagram. I love Twitter and like Facebook. I don’t ‘get’ Pinterest and I suppose its similar with Instagram. Perhaps it’s my age?! (Don’t answer that!)
So, when I found out that Instagram was introducing Reels, and that this was basically an attempt to compete with TikTok (which, you’ll be surprised to hear, I don’t use at all!), I was … underwhelmed.
You’ll doubtless have many positive responses regarding Reels and that’s great but I just wanted to let you know that there are some of us that don’t use it at all.”
Check out Richie’s content now
My Pals Over At The Grumpy Olive Think This…
“From the moment we started our Instagram account almost a year ago, we have tried to create content around what our audience would enjoy most. When reels came about, we had just started playing with TikTok videos. So to us, they kind of made sense as we were not investing time and resources on two different platforms anymore. But we’ve not found them as effective as others have, that is for sure. We are going to try and create more video content for sure as we’re starting to see some uptake on views, but not with the blog. There have not been many views coming from Instagram directly, but since we have always enjoyed the platform, we’re not ready to give it up just yet. We are also just learning about reel creation and all the things video, so we’re definitely into them a lot!It’s definitely sad to see it transition from what we grew to know and loved, but we’ll still be doing a good 80% photo content & 20% video content as we’ve done so far. We shall see where that brings us!”
Isa From Lifestyle Prism Said This…
“For my experience, ig has only been a visual board. It did not help me in any way in blog promotion. Neither the followers are engaged and active to respond to my ig posts.
The reels is just another type of video. So you have to go 2 steps to make it.
Do I find it necessary? I doubt the least. The reels do not seem to have any utility to a blogger. I can’t tell which other platform it aims to compete with. But it can’t be that effective as tiktok for instance.”
Stacey From Stacey L Blogs Thinks This…
“I’ve liked reels from the beginning and I always recommend using them because the reach goes far beyond your follower count. It’s a great way to get your content out there and grow your following BUT it’s unfortunate that a lot of the more informative, or sometimes beautiful Pictures and images are no longer classed as a priority to what has always been an image sharing site. As a platform I completely understand moving with the times but Instagram has a habit of being “copycat” rather than a leader. I’d prefer new balance rather than a total shift.”
Alexis From Cafe Beauty Had This To Say…
“I do like watching reels, I find them interesting because I don’t use Tik tok but the recommended videos are sometimes really out of my niche/topics I’m interested in. I don’t know if I’ll ever make reels, I don’t like making video content myself. I wish they would focus on updating their algorithm for their photos instead of focusing so heavily on videos! I had to unfollow a lot of brands in order to see blogs and other personal accounts. I don’t mind the existence of reels, but I want them to focus on their photos”
Headphones Thoughts Thinks This:
“When Reels were first introduced, I personally liked the idea of short videos being added to Instagram. I created a few reels that promoted difference blog post. When thinking about it, I did not get much traffic to my blog through it but I did get a few clicks. Each month, I get about a few clicks to my blog through Instagram. Instagram is a great place to connect with other bloggers and for my followers to get to know me better. I love watching Reels from other bloggers but I don’t currently really make Reels myself to promote my blog.”
Carolin From Solo Travel Story Said This…
“Instagram is dead. It tries so hard to be something that it is not. It’s continuously inconsistent in its mission and purpose. Numerous scandals from last year and slow growth have also put me off forever using it.”
So, there you have it. The blogging community is a real mixed bag when it comes to Reels. We’re all trying to create content that engages our audience, but is Instagram making it too hard for us? What do you think?
LoveRosiee
xxx
