Before heading into 2021, look back at your customer campaigns and note the ones that worked, the ones that didn’t, and what platforms provided the best results. Instagram has recently added a few updates to their platform which will contribute to new trends. It’s important to know the latest Instagram trends and how to properly leverage them into your 2021 marketing efforts. Lets go over the top 10 Instagram trends and information you will need when planning your Instagram marketing strategy in 2021!
1. Reels on Instagram
Instagram Reels were introduced in August 2020, allowing users to create and edit 15-second videos. Reels has been compared to TikTok due to its similarities and popularity. There is a high chance that Instagram Reels will be the top Instagram trend in 2021.2. Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories was launched four years ago but still is an important feature today. Instagram Stories is the backbone of influencer marketing with 78 percent of brands saying that this feature has had an impact on influencers’ content for their brand (Tribe Dynamics, 2020). The feature is also the most popular tool with influencers where 88 percent admit that they publish content regularly on Stories. Moving forward, Instagram Stories will see an increase in use and be one of the hottest trends in 2021.3. Instagram Live
Instagram Live has become the fastest-growing Instagram trend over the past few months. In April, the peak of the pandemic, Instagram Live usage increased by 70 percent (Business Inside, 2020). Analysts suggested that the rise was due to humans not meant to remain isolated for long periods of time and are turning to social media channels to satisfy their need for social interaction.
4. In – App Shopping
The growth of online shopping along with Instagram users makes shopping the next trend to watch for in 2021. Instagram is launching new features to cater to the 36 percent of US Instagram users that list shopping as a hobby. Currently, 70 percent of shoppers use Instagram to discover new products (Facebook, 2019). It won’t be a surprise to see an increase in sales on Instagram in 2021.5. Explore Tab
In the efforts to engage more with users, Instagram has created an Explore page to introduce previously undiscovered content. The Explore feature has been used at least once a month by more than 50 percent of accounts. Instagram has updated the layout to be more user-friendly and added shortcuts to facilitate navigation. The efforts have created a channel where companies can grow their reach and brand recognition.6. TikTok, Twitter and Gif Content
Instagram feeds are starting to see more cross-platform content including memes, TikToks, gifs, and special effects. Instagram has quickly adapted to the rising popularity of different content types and users’ demands by offering them the tools to create similar content.7. Use of Branded AR Filters
In 2019, Facebook created Spark AR which allows users to create special effect filters. Brands have taken advantage of the technology to provide their customers with a new and innovative way to shop. Branded AR filters are expected to be in the top Instagram trends in 2021.