Instagram in 2024 has become a pool for businesses and brands to position themselves in the market and create a loyal community of followers. But, from 200 million business accounts, how will you stand out?
This is where understanding Instagram Trends comes from, if you are updated about the current trends in the market. You can leverage this information (which is not so super-secret!) to outsmart your competitors and make a special name for your brand and give it a unique edge. In today’s time mastering the Instagram game is not easy but that’s the reason why Third Eye Blind Productions will help you in understanding all the mumbo jumbo of social media jargon. Let’s dive in.
1. Video is More Important than Static Images
When Instagram started it was all about the image game but now it’s not the case, as in the past few years with the influence of Tiktok and other video platforms, statistically speaking, audiences are engaging more with videos compared to images.
Do me a favor: Open your Instagram app and scroll through the first 10 to 15 pieces of content. As you scroll, you might notice a common theme—most of the posts are videos.
Instagram has continually promoted video content, In fact they have introduced new features on the short form video content called reels to help the audience engage more with the creators.
Now you can:
- Reply to a Reel with your own Reel
- Add fresh effects, music, and voiceovers to level up your Reels
- Upload video stories up to 60 seconds long, uninterrupted
- Host interactive live streams and connect like never before
Video is no longer just a bonus on Instagram; it’s a necessity. To succeed, your brand must embrace video wholeheartedly.
Showcase your unique personality, demonstrate products in action, and offer exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses. Engage with your audience in real-time through live videos and stories. Not only does video foster stronger connections, but it also boosts your visibility and engagement by aligning with Instagram’s algorithm.
Instagram Reel Trends for 2024
Instagram Reels launched in 2020 as a way to compete with Snapchat and TikTok, and it’s become more popular over the years. Many brands and creators now share their videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Here are some popular Instagram Reel trends this year:
- Social Media Managers as Brand Faces
Instead of hiring actors, social media managers are now appearing in Reels as the brand’s spokesperson. Since they know the brand’s voice so well, they’re able to create more personal and engaging content at a lower cost. Plus, their presence helps build stronger connections with followers. - Video Memes
Memes are still a big hit. Brands are creating fun videos using trending audio and remixing popular culture or funny clips to fit their brand. It’s important to stay aligned with your brand’s values, but a well-done meme can get great engagement by making your brand relatable.
Also read : TOP 10 RICHEST INFLUENCERS ON INSTAGRAM
Instagram Post Trends for 2024
Even though Reels are trending, static image posts still make up about 25-30% of Instagram feeds. Instagram also added a new feature this year—you can now add audio to static image posts to make them more engaging.
Some key Instagram post trends include:
- Photo Dumps
- This trend involves posting a series of photos that might seem random at first but come together to tell a story. Brands are using this to show behind-the-scenes moments, events, or even user-generated content.
- Text Posts
- Although Instagram is usually about visuals, text posts are becoming popular. Brands are sharing tips, stats, quotes, and other info as text images in carousels. These minimalistic posts stand out and offer bite-sized value.
- Soft Product Launches
- Brands are teasing new products with “soft launch” posts. These posts drop hints, behind-the-scenes peeks, or subtle messages to build excitement before a product’s official release.
AI in Social Content Creation
Instagram and its parent company, Meta, are focusing on AI this year. Here are some of the AI tools available now:
- AI Stickers: Create custom stickers using AI and add them to chats or stories.
- AI Backdrops for Stories: Create custom backgrounds for your stories using text prompts.
- AI Recommendations: Chat with AI for advice or recommendations.
Mark Zuckerberg has also hinted at new AI tools that may soon be available, like AI-powered image editing and high-quality video generation.
AI can help marketers save time and improve content creation, but it’s not replacing social media managers anytime soon.
Building Community Engagement
Instagram is putting more emphasis on genuine community interaction. Features like broadcast channels allow creators to share updates and engage directly with followers through text, photos, or polls. Brands can also use the Close Friends list to share exclusive content, updates, or behind-the-scenes moments.
Using Multiple Links in Bio
Instagram now allows up to five links in your profile bio, making it easier for brands to direct traffic to multiple pages. This is a big win for brands wanting to promote more than just one link.
Instagram SEO
More people, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are using Instagram to search for content. Optimizing your posts for Instagram search with keywords and hashtags is more important than ever. Here are a few tips:
- Use relevant keywords in captions and alt text.
- Engage with similar accounts to boost visibility.
- Participate in trending topics when they align with your brand.
Brand Partnerships and Influencer Tools
Instagram has introduced tools to make it easier for brands and influencers to collaborate. Brands can now let influencers tag products in their posts, and both brands and influencers can create shared posts that appear on both profiles. Instagram’s new Creator Marketplace is also making it easier for brands to find influencers.
Food Content Is Trending
Food content remains huge on Instagram. Quick, easy recipes, especially plant-based or health-focused, are highly popular. For food brands, this is a great opportunity to showcase recipes, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Even brands not in the food industry are finding creative ways to incorporate food content into their posts.
User-Generated Content (UGC)
UGC is a big part of Instagram. People trust content from real customers more than traditional ads. Brands are using hashtags to encourage users to share their experiences and then reposting that content to their own profiles. This strategy helps build trust and engage followers.
Paid Promotions
With Instagram’s algorithm controlling what users see, paid promotions are becoming more popular to boost reach. About 25% of Instagram feeds now feature sponsored posts, making ads a growing trend for 2024.
Instagram trends are always evolving, influenced by other platforms, user behavior, and new features. By staying on top of these trends, you can keep your content fresh and connect better with your audience in 2024.
