Over time, more and more engagement on Instagram is shifting
to DMs, which Instagram is now trying to lean into with new features like
Notes, that are aligned with more private sharing. And it’s also experimenting
with an even more significant change in this respect, with some users now
seeing a new messaging icon in the lower function bar in the app.
As you can see in this example, posted by Jasmine Enberg,
some users are seeing the messaging and post creation icons switched in the
main UI, with the ‘+’ creation button moved to the top right, and the messaging
paper plane highlighted at the center of the lower function panel.
That clearly puts the focus on DM sharing, as opposed to
feed posting, and it could be another step towards aligning with this usage
shift, while also guiding user behaviors towards engagement with their
connections. Which, as noted, is happening either way. Back in 2022, in
response to user concerns that they were no longer seeing updates from the
profiles that they follow in the app, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri noted that:
“Friends post a lot more to stories and send a lot more DMs than they post to Feed.”
Mosseri has underlined this trend several times since.
Earlier this year, in an announcement about new messaging features, Mosseri
explained that: “When you think of Instagram, you probably think of a feed of
square photos. But how Instagram works has changed a lot over the years, and if
you look at what people share, and how people express their creativity, the
primary way they do so is actually DMs on Instagram. More photos and videos are
shared in DMs than are to Stories or to feed on any given day.”
So DMs are now the primary channel for engagement between
users, with the main feed becoming more of a TikTok-like stream of recommended
entertainment. As such, this change could make sense, in aligning with this
shift, though it would also be a significant change of focus for the app, which
could impact user behaviors. Maybe, IG could look to roll out this format only
to people who never post, but share a lot in DMs, aligning the app with their
personal usage behaviors.
In some ways, it’s a risky move, but then again, the
creation icon is still easily accessible, so it’s not like Instagram would be
taking away any functionality. But even so, the behavioral impacts could be
big. As social media marketers, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve and
adapt to these changes. Using an SMM panel can help you manage your Instagram
presence and adjust to these new features.
Instagram is constantly evolving, and as a marketer, it's
crucial to stay informed about the latest updates. By keeping an eye on these
changes, you can optimize your strategy and make the most of your Instagram
presence. Whether you're using Instagram for personal or professional purposes,
utilizing an SMM panel can help you streamline your content and engagement.
As Instagram continues to prioritize messaging, it will be
interesting to see how users respond to this new design. Will it lead to more
engagement and private sharing, or will users resist this change? Only time
will tell. In the meantime, it's essential to stay flexible and adapt to these
changes. By leveraging an SMM panel, you can ensure your Instagram presence
remains strong and engaging, regardless of the app's design.
If you're looking to boost your Instagram presence and stay
ahead of the competition, consider shopping on The TopTierSMM, where you can
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our help, you can take your Instagram game to the next level and make the most
of these new features.