Trying to keep up with Instagram’s rapid development can seem daunting. It feels like they are announcing new functions left and right. This is particularly true now when the platform is releasing new features almost every week.
No worries. I’ve put together a list of the most recent updates to help you stay on top of things.
Instagram has been adding new features over the last few weeks that make it easier for users to connect and support each other. From stickers to video, here are 3 recent updates you should know about.
New Instagram Sticker: Use the New ‘Add Yours’ Sticker to Create a Thread of Similar Content
Instagram’s new ‘Add Yours’ sticker allows you to post images into another user’s story for the first time. Adding this sticker to your story will invite your friends to join in and post photos inside their own story, which will be added to a thread that can be viewed by both your followers and theirs.
Here are some topic ideas you can use to start your story thread:
– My view right now
– My office for the day
– Weird things my dog does
– Share your pet’s outfit
– Show me your fur baby!
How do I use the “Add My Story” feature on Instagram?
Instagram stories have a sticker adding your name and your stories to an update or comment. If you feel courageous and ready to start your own sticker, put an image or video on your Story as you normally would. You can create your own prompt or let Instagram create a prompt in your app by tap the dice on bottom screen. Just above the keyboard. It’s very easy and quick to add pictures or other content on Instagram using the sticker option at the top of the screen and using the button to add a personal message to.
How do You do the ‘Add Yours’ on Instagram?
Stories have become a channel all their own inside of Instagram, and stickers are a major part of how users communicate within stories. Now you have a way to create a thread tying multiple accounts together.
Here’s the step by step process for creating your thread:
1. Tap the + icon to add a new story
2. Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen
3. Select the ‘Add Yours’ sticker
4. Type in your own prompt or tap the dice for some suggestions
5. Move the sticker wherever you like
6. Add the post to your story
Once your story is published, your followers can give it a tap to join the thread. A pop-up will appear that asks them to select a photo and publish to their story. Their story will then be added to a thread that is visible on both their story and yours. This means that the thread will be visible to all the followers of every user who participates.
Neat, huh?
This sticker can be used to run giveaways, create photo contests, or just for a little fun. Try it out and see what you can come up with.
New Instagram Sticker: Use the New ‘Link’ Sticker to Add a Clickable Link to Your Story
This feature has been long-awaited by users everywhere, especially those who have fewer than 10,000 followers. It has been available to a small group of select accounts for a while now, but it’s only in the last month or so that Instagram expanded ‘Link’ stickers to all users.
This new feature allows you to add a clickable link to your story and is a replacement for the previous ‘Swipe Up’ feature that was only available to accounts with 10,000 followers or more. This means that your Story Highlights can now hold a veritable menu of clickable resources no matter how small your account is.
How do I add links to my stories?
You can add a clickable link to your Instagram story by using the new ‘Link’ sticker. When someone taps on the ‘Link’ sticker, they’ll be redirected to your chosen URL.
Here’s the step by step process to add a link to your story:
1. Tap the + icon to add a new story
2. Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen
3. Select the ‘Link’ sticker
4. Type in your desired link and select ‘Done’
5. Move the sticker wherever you like
6. Add the post to your story
Your sticker will show the main URL for the website you have linked to. For example, if you were to enter this link:
https://www.skarletshuplat.com/6-reasons-your-pet-business-should-be-on-instagram
The resulting sticker would simply read:
Does everyone have the ‘Link’ sticker?
Instagram has released the ‘Link’ sticker worldwide, but there are still some accounts that may not have it. To limit potentially harmful content, Instagram does not allow new users access to the sticker. They will also remove access for accounts that are flagged for repeatedly sharing misinformation, hate speech, or similar content that they have deemed harmful.
Instagram Live Badges
A couple of weeks ago, Instagram released Instagram Live Badges to eligible US creators. Badges are a feature that allows users to earn money directly from their followers.
Whenever you go live, your viewers can click on the Badge icon to buy a badge that will display as a heart next to their name for the duration of the video. The badges are available in 3 levels and cost $0.99, $1.99, and $4.99.
This is a great way to support content creators and show your appreciation for the value they provide.
How do I turn on Instagram Badges?
Users who are eligible for Instagram Live Badges can navigate to the Professional Dashboard (found at the top of your profile or in your Settings). There you will find a button that says ‘Set Up Badges’. If you don’t see this button, you can select ‘Apply for monetization’ and your request will be reviewed.
How many badges can someone purchase?
Your viewers can buy multiples of any of the 3 available badges and can spend up to $250 in a single live video.
When will I receive my first payment from Instagram Live Badges?
Instagram sends out payments for any creator who has earned at least $100. It can take up to 7 business days for you to receive payment after it is sent, depending on your bank.
Does Instagram take a transaction fee?
Instagram does not currently levy any fees and passes everything on to the user. However, both Apple and Google do require a 30% fee for all purchases made inside of apps.
Don’t Miss a Beat
Want help keeping up with the latest updates from Instagram? I’ve got you covered. I’ll be covering any new features or updates periodically so you can keep track of what’s new and how these features can be beneficial for your business.
Don’t miss a beat. Subscribe to be notified whenever I post an update.
Have a question you’d love me to write a post about? Let me know in the comments! Or better yet, make a post in my Free Facebook Group for pet professionals who want to grow and monetize using Instagram.
