Instagram Updates: Carousel Insights, Edits App Enhancements, and More

Summary

Social Media Marketing Talk Show: Episode Summary Episode Title: Instagram Updates: Carousel Insights, Edits App Enhancements, and More
Host: Jerry Potter
Guest: Amber Figlo, Content Strategist
Release Date: July 28, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Social Media Marketing Talk Show, host Jerry Potter delves into the latest Instagram updates that are pivotal for marketers aiming to optimize their strategies. Joined by content strategist Amber Figlo, the discussion covers a range of new features, insights, and debunked myths that could significantly impact social media marketing efforts.

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1. Trial Reels: A New Growth Tool

Overview:
Trial Reels is a recently introduced Instagram feature designed to boost user growth by allowing content to reach non-followers. Amber Figlo explains the functionality and access parameters of this feature.

Key Points:

• Functionality:
  Trial Reels enable creators to toggle their reels as "trial," making them visible only to users who do not follow them. This exclusive visibility aims to attract new audiences without affecting the existing follower base.

• Access Criteria:
  As per Instagram's Adam Mosseri, to utilize Trial Reels, accounts must have at least 1,000 followers and maintain a public profile. Private accounts are excluded to ensure the feature aligns with growth-focused objectives.

Notable Quote:
Amber Figlo emphasizes the strategic advantage:
"If you push your content as a trial reel, you might engage a new audience while maintaining your curated follower base. It's a win-win for expanding reach without diluting your brand message." (04:56)

Practical Applications:

• Testing New Content: Creators can experiment with different content styles without altering the experience for their current followers.
• Brand Partnerships: Amber suggests leveraging Trial Reels for collaborative projects, offering brands exposure to both existing followers and potential new audiences.

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2. Instagram Carousel Insights: Deepening Content Analysis

Overview:
Instagram is enhancing its Carousel posts by providing detailed insights into user engagement per slide, a feature currently in limited beta testing.

Key Points:

• Engagement Metrics:
  Marketers can now see which specific slides in a carousel garner likes, revealing which parts of the content resonate most with the audience.

• Strategic Benefits:
  Understanding slide-by-slide performance allows for more informed content creation, such as focusing on high-engagement slides or trimming less effective ones to maintain audience interest.

Notable Quote:
Amber highlights the impact on content strategy:
"If I notice a significant drop-off after slide five, I might adjust future carousels to be more concise, ensuring each slide delivers maximum value." (08:15)

Implications for Marketers:

• Content Optimization: Identify and replicate the elements of high-performing slides in future posts.
• Repurposing Content: Utilize successful slides as standalone posts or in other content formats like reels.

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3. Edits App Enhancements: Streamlining Video Creation

Overview:
Instagram and Meta have upgraded their Edits app, introducing several features aimed at easing the video creation and publishing process for marketers.

Key Points:

• Direct Export to Instagram:
  Users can now export videos directly from the Edits app to Instagram without saving them to their device, enhancing workflow efficiency.

• Voice Enhancement for Voiceovers:
  Improved audio tools allow for clearer and more professional-sounding voiceovers in video content.

• Generative AI Editing:
  Upcoming features leveraging AI to assist in creative video editing, potentially introducing effects like comic book or video game aesthetics.

Notable Quote:
Amber shares her favorite update:
"Being able to export directly to Instagram not only saves storage but also ensures high-quality uploads seamlessly integrated into my posting schedule." (13:56)

Practical Uses:

• Efficiency: Reduce the time spent on transferring and uploading videos, allowing for quicker content turnaround.
• Creative Exploration: Experiment with AI-driven effects to make content stand out in a crowded feed.

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4. Project Management within the Edits App: Sticky Notes and Beyond

Overview:
Instagram is integrating project management features into the Edits app, facilitating better organization and idea management for content creators.

Key Points:

• Sticky Notes and Audio Samples:
  Users can attach sticky notes and save audio clips directly within the app, providing context and organizing ideas for future content.

• Task Management:
  The ability to mark tasks as done helps creators track their progress and manage their content pipeline more effectively.

Notable Quote:
Amber appreciates the functionality:
"Being able to add context with sticky notes or voice samples while researching inspiration streamlines the content creation process immensely." (16:09)

Benefits for Solo Marketers:

• Enhanced Organization: Keep all ideas and notes in one place, reducing the need for external tools.
• Streamlined Workflow: Manage and execute content projects more efficiently from within the Edits app.

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5. Enhancements in Instagram DMs: Translation and Scheduling

Overview:
Instagram has rolled out significant updates to its Direct Messages (DMs), including message translation and scheduling capabilities.

Key Points:

• Message Translation:
  Users can now translate messages into 99 languages by holding down a message and selecting "Translate," facilitating better communication with a global audience.

• Scheduling DMs:
  The ability to schedule messages allows marketers to maintain communication boundaries and manage customer interactions more effectively.

Notable Quotes:
Amber highlights the translation feature:
"For e-commerce brands operating worldwide, being able to communicate seamlessly across language barriers without relying on third-party tools is groundbreaking." (17:53)

On scheduling DMs:
"Scheduling responses helps maintain professional boundaries, ensuring that audiences receive timely replies during designated hours without setting an expectation for around-the-clock availability." (19:35)

Applications:

• Global Customer Support: Easily assist customers from different linguistic backgrounds without language barriers.
• Time Management: Schedule messages to ensure responses are sent during appropriate business hours, enhancing work-life balance.

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6. Debunking the "Link in Bio" Reach Reduction Myth

Overview:
A long-standing rumor suggested that including "link in bio" in Instagram captions reduces post reach. Instagram's CEO, Adam Mosseri, has addressed and debunked this myth.

Key Points:

• Official Statement:
  Adam Mosseri clarified that Instagram does not penalize reach for posts containing "link in bio" mentions.

• Underlying Causes of Reduced Engagement:
  Posts with "link in bio" are often more promotional, which inherently tend to receive lower engagement compared to more organic content.

Notable Quote:
Amber clarifies the misconception:
"Adam has said that Instagram doesn't decrease your reach because you include 'link in bio.' Instead, it's typically the nature of those more promotional posts that see reduced engagement." (20:55)

Implications for Marketers:

• Content Strategy:
  Implement "link in bio" without fear of algorithmic penalties, focusing instead on creating engaging and valuable content.

• Call to Action:
  Continue directing audiences to external links when appropriate, ensuring that the content remains engaging to maintain or boost reach.

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Conclusion

This episode of Social Media Marketing Talk Show provides a comprehensive overview of the latest Instagram updates essential for modern marketers. From leveraging new features like Trial Reels and enhanced Carousel Insights to optimizing content creation with the revamped Edits app and managing global communications through DM enhancements, marketers are equipped with tools to refine their strategies effectively. Additionally, debunking myths such as the "link in bio" reach reduction empowers creators to make informed decisions without undue concern over algorithmic constraints.

Final Takeaway:
Staying informed and adaptable to platform updates is crucial. By integrating these new Instagram features thoughtfully, marketers can enhance their reach, engage diverse audiences, and streamline their content workflows for greater efficiency and impact.

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Connect with Amber Figlo:
Find Amber on Instagram and across various social media platforms to stay updated on her content strategies and courses like the Content System.

For more insights and updates on social media marketing, visit SocialMediaExaminer.com/liveshow.

Transcript

[Mike Stelzner]

Hey there, Mike Stelzner. Before we get started with today's podcast, picture this. While your peers are struggling with basic chat GPT prompts, you're the marketer everyone turns to for AI solutions. You're automating tasks that used to take hours, creating stunning visuals in minutes and analyzing data like a pro. This, my friends, is not a fantasy. It's exactly what's happening to marketers. It's in the AI Business society. When you join the AI Business Society, you get monthly live training from leading experts, real world examples you can implement immediately, and a community of innovators pushing the AI boundaries. Don't let this moment pass you by. Visit socialmediaexaminer.com AI and start your AI transformation today.

[Amber Figlo]

Welcome to the Social Media Marketing Talk show, your guide to the ever changing, changing world of social media.

[Jerry Potter]

On today's show, we're gonna explore the important Instagram updates that we need to be on top of as marketers. Including, does saying link in bio in your content or typing it reduce your reach? Instagram has finally commented on this. Also a change to the Reels feed that might require a shift in your strategy in the way that you make your videos. And we're getting AI powered video editing from Instagram and Meta. We'll jump into all of that right now. My name is Jerry Potter, host of the Social Media Marketing Talk Show, a Social Media examiner production where we break down all the latest social media news and what it means for marketers like you. Today, I'm joined by Amber Figlo. Amber's a content strategist who helps entrepreneurs easily create content to market their businesses. She regularly creates videos on her YouTube channel focused on content repurposing, and her course is called the Content System. Welcome to the show, Amber.

[Amber Figlo]

Hello.

[Jerry Potter]

So let's jump right in and let's talk about trial reels. These have been out for a while, but Instagram just sort of communicated, oh, yeah, not everybody gets these. So first, what's the update on who gets to use trial reels? And actually start by explaining what they are in case anyone doesn't know what it is.

[Amber Figlo]

And then we'll get into that, of course. So, trial reels, it's a newer feature meant for growth on Instagram. You technically can go on and create an Instagram reel and select you toggle on this button that says trial in that reel or will be specifically shown to people that do not follow you. It will not be shown to your audience. So there's potential for growth. Uh, Adam Mosseri has also said this is a great way to test out new content without your current audience seeing it. So those are the two benefits. And a lot of people still do not have access to trial reels. I think for a while it was limited based on geography and where you lived and things like that. But now Adam has actually come out and said, hey, here are two parameters. You have to have at least a thousand followers and you have to have a public facing account accounts. So no private accounts get access to trial reels. And his kind of rationale behind this is that if you do not have one of these two things, you might not be focused on growth, which is kind of the intention of trial reels. So they are considering allowing accounts with less than a thousand followers, maybe in the future, as long as they're public facing. But for now, those are the two parameters that you need to stick with in order to get access to this new feature.

[Jerry Potter]

Well, and obviously the, the, the private part makes sense because if few are private, who else would they show them to? Right?

[Amber Figlo]

Exactly. It's a functionality of the feature and of Instagram.

[Jerry Potter]

So, so when I go to post, you know, like YouTube's my primary platform, but I'll take my shorts, I'm like, I'm gonna put this on Instagram and I'll look at that toggle. And I am yet to use it. But have you been playing with it for yourself or your clients? Like, what are you seeing so far with it?

[Amber Figlo]

Yes, so I've been playing with it for myself and for clients. One of the fun things that I'm kind of testing as I play with the new edits platform from Instagram and Meta, which is their video editing tool, I'm like, hey, let me use these new tools, these new features. And even though it's not quite my typical content style, I'll edit something quickly on edits and I'll push it out just as a trial reel, just to see. It's like a really big test for me. I have had a few hits there, a few more misses than anything for me particularly. And then for clients, we're just for specific pieces of content that we think are going to have a little bit more visibility, a little bit more reach. We'll also push it out as a trial reel. So we're posted both in the regular feed for our audience to see. And then we'll also be testing it as a trial reel just to see how things perform. One fun added bonus that I want to start pitching, we were kind of talking about this earlier, is if I have like A brand partnership, or if I'm working on like a very fun piece of content with another brand or something like that, I want to start offering it as an add on, as a bonus of, hey, it's going to be posted in my regular feed, but I'm also going to post it as a trial reel. So if you're kind of in that world of things, it might be a fun little bonus. Bonus, an add on.

[Jerry Potter]

So how do you see that as a benefit? Cause I'm just thinking of some of the marketers, you know, in our audience and let's say somebody comes to them is going, and I'm gonna, I'm gonna add a trial reel. Like, why, why should they be excited about that?

[Amber Figlo]

Yeah. So it's not only does the brand they get to see, hey, I'm. You're tapping into my very well curated audience of people and like that's the intention behind the brand partnership. But I'm also like, hey, I might get some new eyeballs. So with my current audience, I see it as more of a warm lead for the brand, whereas if I push it out as a trial reel, so might be a little bit more of a cold lead or at least kind of start that interaction with people that don't already follow me. Not only are they seeing my face, there's a little bit of brand recognition for them. I don't know, it just feels like a win, win and just like a different audience that I might be able to tap into.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah, well, but our current, the reason I'm asking is our, you know, currently our. If we just publish a reel, it can reach non followers already. So in your testing, are you kind of seeing, like you'd mentioned, if we think it'll get bigger reach, I assume that's because you think it'll be more mass appeal. You are. Do you feel like it is? If you do have something that's mass appeal, it's absolutely worth toggling that on.

[Amber Figlo]

Yeah, I think so. Or for me, I don't tend to also lean into trends. This is another one. Trends aren't a really big part of my content strategy, but if there's one that I love and it's really going viral, you know, amongst Instagram users, I am more likely to push it out as a trial reel to engage new community members, potentially for me. And then it's not, I don't want to say watering down, but it's not watering down my typical content for my audience because my audience know, knows what they're getting from me. It's typically talking to camera, more educational style and they might not want to see that content for me. So I'm even testing out, jumping on more trendy stuff and pushing it out as a trial reel as well.

[Jerry Potter]

I like that point of clarity because we've all seen trends and if you are chasing trends, which I don't do either, it's like, okay, I gotta do that, you know, sometimes. But at the same time, I don't chase trends. But occasionally I see one and I'm like, well, that would be fun. You know, what's my day look like? So, okay, love that. All right, big update for Instagram carousel posts. These swipable posts that are so engaging that we love, and a new feature that is being tested, which I think could be very valuable. So update us on exactly what this is and your thoughts.

[Amber Figlo]

Yes, this is a feature, unfortunately, I wish I had. It is in very limited beta testing, but it is one that I think a lot of us are going to love. You're actually going to be able to see in the insights in your Instagram carousels now, at what point your audience or people that were consuming that carousel, when they liked it and what on what slide they liked it. And where we first saw this, I believe there was a user out there. She was like, oh, yeah, naturally on the first slide, a lot of people went and hit that like button. But she also saw that in slide three, in slide four, in slide five, she kind of had an uptick of people starting to like it, which is just a great indicator of, hey, that content is valuable throughout the entire carousel. So it's really just going to help us determine which slides were the most powerful. It could help strategize future carousels that you create. Like, okay, I noticed a big drop off after slide five. Maybe I only create five slides now. So I think it's going to just be an interesting feature for us to have more data points on when somebody like engages with that carousel and hits that like button.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah, well, I'm just thinking of how powerful this would be in other content too. Like imagine if you knew what when they would tap it in your reel or your video on any platform. Right. Because that's the moment when that emotional resonance clicked in. It would be like on a sales page, like, how far did they scroll before they clicked that sign up, buy now button.

[Amber Figlo]

Yes. And it's just a good indicator to help you analyze not only that piece of content, but future pieces. They're like, oh, right around, you know, maybe, let's say it's slide two or three. I said something really powerful in that carousel. I'm like, maybe that could become a post of its own or it could be a reel of its own. You can use it for further. Again, I talk about content repurposing. For me, that's a great indication for another piece of content around just that slide.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah, that's that moment that that connection was made. I love that. All right, and another update. I've been seeing this on and off on Facebook and Instagram reels, I feel like for a year or a year and a half now. But now we're seeing this test even more, which I think could really shift the way that we make our reels, at least for some brands. So what is this new thing they're testing in the way that reels show.

[Amber Figlo]

Up in the auto scroll feature? Yes. So this is going to be very interesting. So this is. They're starting to test out the ability to toggle this on and off. That basically, as a post shows up in your feed, once it has been consumed, it will auto scroll to the next one. This can, as a consumer, lead to slightly more doom scrolling. But for us as marketers, it's kind of interesting to see, like, okay, next thing, next thing, next thing. So it's like, I don't know what it's going to add to the experience, but I could see as the end user, they're just more passively consuming our content that we're putting out. I don't know how I feel about this feature yet. It's very interesting. But I like the idea of the test is being able to toggle this on and off, which I think is kind of interesting.

[Jerry Potter]

From the user side, right?

[Amber Figlo]

Yes, from the user side, correct.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah. Like, we can't turn it on as the.

[Amber Figlo]

Not as markers. Yes, as the consumer, as the user. On Instagram, you can toggle this feature on and off. So I think that one of the use cases the article mentioned, they were like, imagine somebody's at the dentist and like their hands are tied. I'm like, I don't know why you'd be have your hands tied at the dentist, but I just thought it was an interesting thing of like, maybe you're just holding it up and it's auto scrolling for you as you're performing some other activity or mundane task. And I could see that being kind of fun for consumers and users of the platform. But I don't know. This is a very weird one for me.

[Jerry Potter]

I first saw this on Facebook reels a while back. And I thought, okay, well this is going to kick. This is going to kill the strategy of having your videos loop and have people not realizing it. And then my. I've been trying to move away from short form content and watch more in depth long form content. And one of the reasons is these posts where there's just this unbelievable hook on the screen and you wait and you wait and then it says read more.

[Amber Figlo]

Yes.

[Jerry Potter]

You know, go down to read the answer, which drives me crazy. But these read more in the captions like people are gonna have to swipe back for it.

[Amber Figlo]

Yes. Which is a behavior that I don't think most people will do unless it's some crazy thought provoking reel. So I agree with you. I think it's going to, as we curate the content that we're going to put out on Instagram and reels specifically is that knowing that another strategy is like they'll put so much text on the screen and you can't always pause or see everything. And I'm like, it's gone in five seconds. And I'm like, that opportunity is now gone. So I think it's going to take those short form hacky tutorials. I think those could go away if this becomes a more predominant feature for sure.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah. I think for now just be aware of it that some people are having this. And so if you see a drop in that type of content then or your loops, that could absolutely be the reason for it. So all right. Does typing or saying link in bio in your content reduce your reach? They finally chimed in on this as well as we're getting AI powered video editing, we still have that all to come. But speaking of AI, if you're ready to move beyond basic ChatGPT prompts, join fellow marketers who are mastering AI for content, visuals, automation and data analysis without the guesswork. We're figuring this out for you. Our expert LED training shows you exactly how to use AI to get great results. MJ Johnston, one of the members, has had an amazing automation training that has changed my life. That was worth like the whole year's fee right there. So join a trusted community where marketers like you learn, share and grow together. Visit social mediaexaminer.com AI business to start your AI journey today. This week more people were getting ChatGPT agents and it was just all the talk in the community. So again, social mediaexaminer.com AIbusiness to start your AI journey today. All right, the Edits app, you mentioned that you've worked this into your workflow Sometimes even though it's not your main thing and they are making this more and more valuable. Like it seems like it used to be, like cap, cut, light, the features are coming out very, very frequently. So what are some of the updates that we're seeing in the Instagram edits app?

[Amber Figlo]

Yes. So as I always want to mention, it's not my primary place for creating my video content, but I have been playing with it and honestly it is getting more powerful. And I think one of the really cool features that I've actually been using again as I'm playing with this app is now there's an ability as soon as you hit export, you can, you don't have to save it to your phone anymore if you're an iOS user. This is coming soon for Android, but you can post it directly to Instagram. So it saves storage, it makes sure the quality is nice and high and it just gives you that ability to seamlessly create the content in edits and get it posted in Instagram as fast as possible without any limitations. And that's probably my favorite one and the one that I've been using the most. We have voice enhancement for voiceovers. We also have. This one's my favorite personally. More data for our reels performance and things like that. And then the last one is going to be the generative AI editing. This is one I haven't personally played with, but I'm sure those features are probably going to get the most attention moving forward as we step into this like digital AI space. And I think could be really, really cool and just helping us speed up our video workflows and create really fun and interesting things.

[Jerry Potter]

We talked about this generative AI video editing on our Facebook show recently. And one thing I think that's important to keep in mind. I know, you know, we both talked about like, well, we don't really like chasing trends, but whenever they release a new feature like this, sometimes they give it priority. But more than that, like some of the effects that they're talking about is making your video look like a comic book or a video game aesthetic and things like that. And so when you think about what people will stop for, anything that they're not used to seeing is always going to go to the top of the list. Weird angles, you know, different things like that. So that's one of those ones that I think, you know, if you've got the capacity, might be worth checking out just cause you might get some extra attention from it already.

[Amber Figlo]

Totally. Yes.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah. So, all right. Another thing that Instagram is doing. This is really interesting. Cause we're not seeing this. I don't feel like as much on most of the platforms is helping us create and keep track of ideas and things inside of these tools from the platforms themselves. So what is this update? I'm. I'm seeing sticky notes. I'm seeing audio. Like. Like tell us what's going on here.

[Amber Figlo]

Yes. So the way that you can start to use edits and Instagram kind of combined is they are starting to enhance the features of how you start to collect content, ideas. Collect ideas, manage your projects. And I think this is great for the solo marketers so the people that don't have to work with so many brands, or if you're just working for one brand, you can start to collect and curate a lot of ideas that you could post. Um, so you're able to. In edits now. You can save audios, you can leave samples, sticky notes directly on them. Which sticky notes is just a fancy way of saying like, I'm going to add a little context why I saved this. Or maybe a note. Yeah, there you go. A note. A sticky note. And then basically you can also check them off as done. You can click done on those sticky notes. So again, it's. They're starting to bring in like project management is what it feels like to me inside the app internally. I still think there are limitations, but I think this is really, really great to. At least as you're scrolling for research or inspiration or however you curate your ideas for Instagram. It's just a great way to easily save things as you're consuming.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah, well, especially if you work on your phone primarily. That's your. Your main place then. Yeah, especially the. The voice notes. That part I would absolutely use because I use voice notes for everything. So. All right, another update about not the sticky notes in there, but actual notes on Instagram. They've rolled out some new customization. What are you seeing with this and any additional thoughts you have on it?

[Amber Figlo]

Yeah, notes aren't something that I really have as a part of my strategy, but I've seen people in my industry absolutely love them. And basically it's just a quick way to have a note as you scroll over into the DMs or the messages feed. And basically you can just. It's almost like a little feed up at the top now instead of just, you know, quickly putting up some text on there. You can also brand it, is the way that I look at it. You can change the background color and you can add like an emoji avatar almost. So I think it's a really fun touch point if you are a marketer or if you're managing a community where DMs are like, really, really hot with your audience. And I think this could be a unique feature to just have another branded element. Other than that, I wouldn't put too much thought or emphasis beyond that of, like, you need a strategy for your notes. I just think it's another fun little branded moment that you can have.

[Jerry Potter]

We're not testing note colors necessarily, like a B testing like, when I put.

[Amber Figlo]

A green note up, more people look at my note. If it's green. Yeah. No, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on it for now. Who knows what these can turn into? But I just again, think it's just one of those fun little things that Instagram's adding to our plate.

[Jerry Potter]

Well, I mean, basic psychology, use a note color that's not the default, and it will stand out at least for a while, until more people start using that. All right. And more updates in the DMs as well, including one where it will actually translate messages into 99 languages. Basically, you hold down a message and select Translate. So what are your thoughts on this? Do you see some applications for this?

[Amber Figlo]

Absolutely. So I think this is going to be really important for honestly, the. When I heard this feature, I immediately thought of, like, e commerce brands that sell worldwide and sometimes get DMS in a language that, you know, where they're not based in their native country. So it allows you to easily translate and have communication with somebody that doesn't speak the same language as you, which I find very fascinating in terms of accessibility, customer support, things like that. Of course, if you have a more worldwide brand, I think this is amazing and that you're able to still connect with your community despite a language barrier. So I found this as a really cool tool. And you're not having to run to, like, Google Translate in order to just have a simple conversation with somebody. So I found this one really groundbreaking. I'm like, why didn't we have this one sooner?

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah, well, and another benefit of AI. But, yeah, when I worked at an agency years ago, we had a amazing Mexican restaurant, and occasionally we would get questions in, like the Facebook or Instagram Inbox via. In Spanish. And our process was to go to Google Translate, Translate the question, write our response, translate the response. Then we would text the whole thing to a manager at one of the restaurants who was really fluent in both languages. And then he would reply and I just. It was it was a lot of work. It was worth it, right? It was customer service. But this is, yeah, this is, this is beautiful. And another thing that I'm more excited about and I'll tell you why in a second, but the ability to schedule DMs rather than sending right away. So what are your thoughts around this?

[Amber Figlo]

This is one of my favorite things to do, not only in text form, a text message form. I do this personally and with emails. This is something I employ in my business because I can recognize that I need to have clear boundaries on when I'm communicating with my audience. That's the big thing for me.

[Jerry Potter]

Same. Yeah. Yep.

[Amber Figlo]

But I sometimes like to work outside of those hours, but I want to maintain those boundaries. So for me I'm like, you know, you're getting a response between nine and five typical working hours. But I maybe I'm checking my DMs at 10 o' clock at night. I don't want to set the standard of oh, they can expect a response from me any time of day. So now I can pre schedule them, which I find for nine o'clock the next morning. That is the best use case that I have found. But I'd love to hear your thoughts too.

[Jerry Potter]

Well, that's absolutely one of them. It is about boundaries and, you know, kind of not giving the impression. This comes from my agency days too where I used to reply to messages around the clock and I stopped and eventually clients realized they weren't going to get a response, you know, at 7 o' clock at night. And so they would Google things instead of emailing me about them, you know, things like that. So that's one of them. The other one though is, and I think this is even more so in the DMs than via email is you avoid getting into a back and forth like live message, assuming that you don't want to. There may be some higher end clients or something you want to do that. But that's the other reason I love scheduling. So. All right. And the link in bio debate. So this is one of those conspiracy theories. It's floated around for years. If you say link in bio, you put it in your caption, your reach will plummet. And now Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has publicly spoken out about this. So what did our friend Adam say?

[Amber Figlo]

So Adam said, no, this doesn't actually happen. Which again, this is a wild rumor that has been going around, I feel like since we marketers joined Instagram. Adam has said that Instagram doesn't go out of their way to decrease your reach because you hit link in Bio. And what I would offer as a piece of advice, if you see this, if you notice this even in your content, typically speaking, when you add that link in bio at the end, at the beginning, wherever in your caption, typically it is a more promotional heavy post. And as we know as marketers, those just tend to get less engagement, less reach. It doesn't mean that link in bio is the reason why. It's just the nature of that type of content. It is still important and impactful to have a call to action and drive people where you need to drive them. So I say still say link in bio or direct people somewhere.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah. I always like to remind people, you know, it depends on why you're doing it. But it is a service to our audience to tell them how they can get the thing that we just told them would be good. But I think you're absolutely right. You know, if it feels promotional, you're less likely to get a, like, you're less likely to get a comment. They're less likely to make it to the end if it's a reel or a carousel or anything like that. So while we're on this, though, what about Instagram stories with links in them?

[Amber Figlo]

So again, another thing that I'm always like, you know, just because the link is there, it's not always the link. How are we curating the story experience? Again, if you just say, buy my product, here's the link. Yeah, People are going to swipe through that. It's not an engaging way to kind of create the content. So again, I don't think it's necessarily the link in and of itself. It is, how are you crafting that piece of content to keep people engaged, to signal to the algorithm that this is a good piece of content? So again, I think the same principle holds true, that it's not the fact that the link is there, it is just the nature of the type of content.

[Jerry Potter]

So I am not a conspiracy theorist and I also am very much like, one of my core principles is no blaming outside factors that I can't control. Right. It's more about, okay, how, you know, I'm not getting as much reach. What can I do? I guess I feel like I've talked to enough marketers where they'll say, Yeah, I had four stories, and the first two reached 284 people, and the third one reached 80 and then the fourth one that was posted later in the day all of a sudden reached 200 again. So because of the way stories work. There's more actual theoretical, like strong evidence as opposed to, oh, I said link in bio in this one and it completely tanked an independent piece of content. So I don't know.

[Amber Figlo]

Absolutely. I think there's just so much nuance and complexity when it comes to it too. And I'm just like, look at all the factors involved. And I agree with you. Let's it's hard to blame all outside factors and it's like, okay, maybe let's evaluate the piece of content instead.

[Jerry Potter]

Yeah. All right, quick reminder. Learn more about becoming an AI enhanced marketer at socialmediaexaminer.com aibusiness Again, social mediaexaminer.com aibusiness and Amber, where is the best place for people to find out more about you?

[Amber Figlo]

You guys can literally find me on vast majority of platforms. My favorite one to connect on though is going to be Instagram. You can find me at Amber Ficklow.

[Jerry Potter]

All right, and a couple of other podcasts for you to check out for your listening lineup. One the Social Media Marketing Podcast and also the AI Explored Podcast. Until next time, may you be wise with your marketing decisions. Thanks everyone.

[Amber Figlo]

The Social Media Marketing Talk show is a Social Media examiner production. For more social media Insight, visit social mediaexaminer.com.

[Mike Stelzner]

Just a quick reminder before you go. If you're ready to become indispensable in the age of AI, the AI Business Society is your solution. Join now and secure your discounted membership by visiting social mediaexaminer.com AI I can't wait to see you inside the AI Business Society.