Here are 5 new features of the latest Instagram update designed to help businesses stay afloat and keep users connected:

1.    Instagram Guides 

Instagram Guides allow users to create collections of past posts, stories, live videos, and IGTV posts in a scrollable format that users can then share with other users or to their personal Instagram Stories. These guides are a new place to share and consume tips, recommendations, and step by step guides. So far, Instagram has only given select accounts specifically focused on health and wellness access to this feature in an effort to provide resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes experts, reputable organizations, and trusted officials. 

At the moment, Instagram must approve an accounts’ profile in order to gain access to this feature. Once this has happened, you can access an accounts Guide by selecting the new Guide icon located on an accounts’ navigation bar (in-between the feed and IGTV button). And as for the rest of us, Instagram plans to release this feature to the general public before the end of the year. 

 2.    Instagram Shops

 The next new feature is Instagram Shops, which facilitates sales for businesses. These new Shops allow consumers to scroll through products without being redirected to a company's website, allowing curious viewers to scan various products quickly, without getting overwhelmed. As every product has a direct link to the company's website, shopping is easier than ever. Just press the cute little shopping bag on a business' page in order to browse specific items and entire collections. An added bonus: this new feature also allows businesses to tag and link products in live stream videos!

 3.     Profile Name in DMs

 Have you ever received a direct message from someone whose account name is something along the lines of "ilovedrake" or "bigboy98?" Maybe not, but a lot of accounts are unrecognizable at first when they slide into your DMs. The latest Instagram update now shows a user's profile name instead of their username, making it easier to know who is actually messaging you and what they do! As a result, some of you might want to consider editing your account information. We suggest that your username and profile name should always be different, and your profile name should include keywords that describe what your account is about. And keep in mind that bother your user name and profile name or searchable, so maximize your ability to be found.

 4.    IGTV Monetization

Similarly to YouTube, Instagram users can now run ads through IGTV to expand their reach and monetize their brand. This is huge for influencers and creators with big audiences! This feature incentives new creators to join Instagram in order to turn their passion into a career, as well as encourage current creators to stay active, as the ability to make money is huge! To view IGTV, go to a user's profile and tap the TV icon in the middle of their navigation bar. 

5.    Messenger Rooms 

 Instagram users can now video call with up to 50 of their favorite people, straight from their inbox! Messenger Rooms allows users to create their own custom rooms to chat with others. These rooms can be private, or you can share a link with your friends to join. You can even invite people that don't have an Instagram account to your room! To create a new room, go to your DMs, tap the camera icon in the top right, then tap "Create a Room" located in the top right corner.

We think it’s safe to say that Instagram has seriously stepped up their game. What is your favorite new feature? We'd love to hear from you, let us know in the comments below. 

Written By: Kassidy Aweida, AMR Digital Marketing, Influencer/ Community Manager