Instagram is full of helpful features that can help marketers better understand and connect with their target audience. To make the most of each of the built-in marketing tools, it’s important for marketers to understand how each one works and how it can be used to achieve specific marketing objectives.
In this article, we’ll provide a current, complete list of Instagram marketing features, explore how each one works, and tips for how to incorporate them into your overall marketing strategy.
List of Instagram Features
Interactive Features
- AR Filters
- Preset Artistic Filters
- Shopping
- Stickers
- Quizzes
Images
- Stories
- Stories Highlights
- Posts
Video
- IGTV
- IG Live
- Posts
- Stories
- Stories Highlights
Let’s start it off right with one of the most important components of Instagram: interacting with your audience. That really should be at the top of your priority list when it comes to using the platform for marketing purposes.
AR Filters
One of the newer features of Instagram is the ability to create and use AR filters. If you’re not familiar with AR filters are basically augmented reality filters that can be used when taking a photo or video.
To create an AR filter, you’ll need to use Instagram’s Spark AR Studio. This is a desktop app that allows you to create AR experiences for Instagram. With Spark AR you can:
- Import objects & sounds, including your logo, special products, or branded colors & fonts.
- Animate your objects using a variety of tools.
- Create filters that track facial movements, like blinking or opening your mouth.
- Build AR filters with or without code, making it a great tool for small business owners who wear many hats.
There is a lot more you can do with AR filters on Instagram, but you get the idea. You have endless options for creating an attractive tool that your followers and followers-to-be can really engage with.
Once you’ve created your filter, it will need to be approved by Instagram before it can be used by other people. Once it’s been approved, anyone on Instagram can use your filter by simply opening the camera and selecting it from the list of available filters.
Preset Artistic Filters
In addition to AR filters, there are also non-AR preset filters that can be used on photos and videos to add ambiance and character to your posts. These are essentially just regular photo/video filters that can be applied before sharing a photo or video.
To use a preset filter, simply open the camera and swipe through the available options to find the one you want to use. Then take your photo or video as normal and share it to your feed or Stories.
Shopping Posts
If you have an eCommerce business, you can also share shopping posts on Instagram. Shopping posts are basically just posts that include product information and links.
To share a shopping post, simply tap the “+” icon in the bottom middle of the screen and select the product you want to share. Then add a caption, if desired, and share it to your feed.
Once it’s live, come back over here to Skweezer and order custom comments to be sent to your post. You can prompt our users to ask questions about your brand or product, to which you can reply with the answers.
Skweezer is the perfect tool for marketing on Instagram. With our help, you can connect with your target audience, better understand their needs and wants, and create content that resonates with them. Our easy-to-use platform makes it simple to get started and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Stickers
Instagram also has a variety of stickers that can be used in photos and videos. For Instagram marketers, this feature offers a plethora of inspiration and marketing opportunities. You can use stickers to:
- Highlight a sale or promotion.
- Create your own branded or hashtag stickers using Spark AR.
- Showcase a new product.
- Feature a customer testimonial.
- Run a contest or giveaway.
There are also seasonal and holiday-themed stickers that can be used to add some extra fun and flair to your posts. Stickers are easy to create for even novice designers and can really help your posts stand out in the feed.
To add a sticker, simply tap the sticker icon in the top right corner of the screen when taking a photo or video (or when editing a photo/video). Then select the sticker you want to add from the options that appear.
Quizzes
Another way to interact with your audience is through quizzes. Instagram allows you to create simple quizzes that can be added to your photos and videos.
When crafting a new quiz for your audience, be sure to incorporate hot current issues in your niche. For example, if you’re a Twitch streamer, you could do a quiz about the best games of 2020. Or, have the audience provide feedback on your gameplay. The goal is to let them know that their voice is valued and you want to hear from them!
To create a quiz, simply tap the “+” icon in the bottom middle of the screen and select “Quiz.” Then add your question and answers and share the post to your feed or Stories.
Images
Of course, one of the most basic ways to interact with your audience is through images. But, as we’re sure you’ve guessed by now, they can’t just be any images.
The key to successful images on Instagram is to make sure they’re high quality and attention-grabbing. This means using bright colors, interesting compositions, and/or creative concepts.
And, of course, all images should be relevant to your niche in some way. This will help ensure that your audience is engaged with your content and that they keep coming back for more.
There are a few different ways to share images on Instagram. The first is to simply share a photo from your camera roll. To do this, open the app and tap the “+” icon in the bottom middle of the screen. Then select the image you want to share and add a caption if desired. Once you’re happy with the post, tap “Share.”
The second way to share images on Instagram is to take a new photo or video directly from the app. To do this, open the app and tap the camera icon in the top left corner of the screen. Then take your photo or video and add a caption, if desired. Once you’re happy with the post, tap “Share.”
The third way to share images on Instagram is to use the desktop version. To do this, look for the “+” symbol in the upper right corner and either choose “Select from computer” or drag and drop the file directly into the web browser.
Stories
Another way to share images is through Instagram Stories, which is a feature that allows you to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
Stories are a great way to give your audience a behind-the-scenes look at your business or product. They’re also perfect for sharing quick, informal updates that don’t necessarily warrant a full post. Other great uses for Stories are:
- Offer a very limited-time promotion.
- Tease a new product.
- Showcase user-generated content.
- Run a quick poll or survey.
To create a Story, open the app and tap the camera icon in the top left corner of the screen. Then take your photo or video and add a caption, if desired. Once you’re happy with the post, tap “Share to your story.”
You can also share images from your feed to your Stories by tapping the paper airplane icon in the bottom right corner of the post.
Stories Highlights
In addition to sharing images through Stories, you can also save them as Highlights. Highlights are basically just a way to group together related Stories so they’re easy for people to find later on.
Stories highlights present an opportunity for marketers to get creative and curate content in an engaging way. For example, a travel brand could create a highlight called “Best of 2020” and include all the user-generated content they collected over the past year.
To save a Story as a Highlight, simply go to your profile and tap the “+” icon in the bottom middle of the screen. Then select the image or video you want to save and tap the Add This to Story Highlights option.
IGTV
Another way to share images is through IGTV. IGTV is basically just a longer-form, permanent version of Stories. It allows you to upload videos up to 10 minutes in length (or up to 60 minutes if you have a verified account).
And, with Skweezer’s paid views plan, you can send real users to check out your video and ask them to comment and like, as well. Rack up views and aim for viral status!
To upload a video to IGTV, simply tap the IGTV icon in the top right corner of the screen. Then select the video you want to upload and tap the Share button in the bottom right corner.
IG Live
The final way to share images is through IG Live. IG Live is basically just a live-streaming service that allows you to share real-time videos with your followers.
With IG Live, you can bring your viewers into the heart of your business or show them what goes on behind the scenes. You can also use it to answer questions, give tutorials, or just get to know your audience better.
To start a live stream, simply tap the Your Story icon in the top left corner of the screen and then select the Live option. Then just start sharing!
Bringing It All Together
As you can see, there are a lot of different ways to interact with your audience on Instagram. But, the key is to find the method (or methods) that work best for you and your business. Experiment and have fun! And, most importantly, don’t forget to always be engaging, helpful, and entertaining.
Skweezer’s tools for IG growth free you up to do exactly that. With Skweezer, you have more control over your post engagement and get actionable insights into what’s working (and what’s not).
So what are you waiting for? Try Skweezer today!