Social Media Marketing Talk Show: Instagram Updates – Comprehensive Summary

Episode Title: Instagram Updates: Video Quality Downgrades, DM Inbox Features, and More
Host: Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner
Release Date: November 11, 2024

1. Introduction to Instagram’s Latest Updates

In this episode of the Social Media Marketing Talk Show, hosted by Jerry Potter and featuring guest Chelsea Pites, the duo delves into the most recent updates on Instagram that are pivotal for marketers. The discussion spans a range of topics from video quality adjustments to enhanced Direct Message (DM) features, aiming to equip marketers with the knowledge to navigate Instagram’s evolving landscape effectively.

**2. Video Quality Downgrades: Impact on Smaller Accounts

Chelsea Pites raises concerns about Instagram’s recent move to downgrade the video quality of older or underperforming content.

[02:09] Chelsea Pites: "It sounds like they're taking the higher quality, more performing videos, keeping those in a higher quality and downgrading the quality of some of the older or non-performing videos."

This strategy appears to be a resource management technique, potentially affecting smaller accounts that rely on consistent video quality to engage their audience. Jerry Potter expresses surprise and frustration over this change:

[03:27] Jerry Potter: "Instagram has been the most stubborn of any of the platforms to demote low quality video. And now we're going to make your videos low quality. Like, which is it?"

The conversation highlights the uncertainty surrounding the criteria for what constitutes "low-performing" and how this affects content visibility.

3. Enhanced Reach with Carousel Posts and Music Integration

A significant development discussed is Instagram’s update allowing carousel posts with added music to be featured in the Reels feed. Chelsea Pites explains:

[04:36] Chelsea Pites: "If you add music to your carousel post, it's actually going to now be eligible to be served into the Reels feed."

This change means that marketers can potentially triple their content’s exposure—appearing in both the home feed and the Reels feed—thereby increasing reach to both existing followers and new audiences. Chelsea conducted experiments observing increased visibility of carousel posts in the Reels feed, noting:

[06:00] Chelsea Pites: "Pretty much every single viewing period that I am in Instagram in the reels feed, I will see carousel post now."

This update encourages the integration of music into carousel posts to maximize engagement and reach.

4. Introduction of Digital Business Cards

Instagram is rolling out digital business cards, offering a more creative and interactive way to share profiles. Chelsea Pites provides insight:

[07:48] Chelsea Pites: "It's basically a little bit more of a creative way to share your account, to share your profile. You can put a little bit of your own personality in the styling of it."

These digital business cards can be shared via text messages, enhancing the ease with which brands and influencers can connect with potential followers and collaborators.

5. Improvements to Instagram Reels Workflow

Chelsea Pites highlights enhancements in the Reels drafting process, which include the ability to name and schedule drafts directly within the drafts folder:

[09:18] Chelsea Pites: "Now they're going to allow you to name every one of your drafts, which I think is super, super helpful. And you're going to be able to schedule those drafts right from that screen."

This improvement streamlines content planning and management, especially beneficial for marketers handling multiple accounts.

6. Introduction of New Metrics for Reels

A noteworthy update is the introduction of detailed metrics for Reels, allowing creators to analyze the sources of their views. Chelsea Pites elaborates:

[10:21] Chelsea Pites: "We're going to show the views that came from recommendations, the views that came from the feed, views that came from reshares, and views that came from profiles."

This granular insight empowers marketers to understand better where their content is performing best and adjust strategies accordingly.

7. Screen Tips and Feedback for Reels Performance

Instagram is testing on-screen tips that provide immediate feedback on Reels performance. Chelsea Pites describes:

[11:31] Chelsea Pites: "It would say something to the effect of your strong hook. Kept people watching for more than three seconds."

These tips act as a coaching mechanism, giving creators real-time insights into what aspects of their content are working, although Chelsea questions the specificity and accuracy of such feedback.

8. WhatsApp Sticker Integration in Stories

Enhancing cross-platform functionality, Instagram has introduced a WhatsApp sticker for Stories. Chelsea Pites notes the benefits:

[13:05] Chelsea Pites: "You’re going to be able to add it to your Instagram stories... it’s so much easier to just click on a button and be taken directly to where you want to go."

This feature simplifies the process of directing audiences to WhatsApp, fostering better user engagement and seamless communication.

9. New Photo Collage Features in Stories

Instagram is expanding its Stories features with new photo collage formats. While specific details are limited, Chelsea Pites anticipates more creative options:

[13:41] Chelsea Pites: "There are going to be three different options for new photo collage formats or templates... something a little bit more creative."

These additions cater to users who enjoy creating visually engaging content through photo dumps and collages.

10. Sorting Reels by Most Viewed Content

A new feature allows users to sort Reels by their most-viewed content directly from profiles. Chelsea Pites shares her thoughts:

[14:27] Chelsea Pites: "You’re going to be able to say, hey, just show me the most viewed reels from this creator."

This functionality aids in market research and content strategy by highlighting high-performing reels, although Chelsea expresses a desire for more advanced features like playlists.

11. Enhanced DM Inbox Features

Instagram is improving its DM inbox with new filters and organizational tools. Chelsea Pites explains:

[16:23] Chelsea Pites: "There’s going to be some new filters in your inbox, which the filters are follower count, verified accounts, brands and creators."

Additionally, accessing story replies has become more streamlined, allowing marketers to manage interactions more efficiently and foster better relationships with followers and collaborators.

12. Threads Integration with Instagram

Threads continues to grow, now with scheduling capabilities from third-party tools and the ability to create threads directly from Instagram comments. Chelsea Pites describes:

[18:19] Chelsea Pites: "You can actually share one of those comments to a story and it will layer itself over the actual post... start a brand new thread over with that particular comment on Threads."

This integration enhances content distribution and engagement across platforms, providing more avenues for interaction and content dissemination.

13. Account Deletions and Blockages: Human Error Explained

Addressing recent confusion over account deletions and blockages, Chelsea Pites relays Adam Mosseri’s explanation:

[20:06] Chelsea Pites: "According to Adam Mosseri, it was actually humans that made the mistakes... we are going to see probably a lot of this in the future as well."

This clarification underscores the ongoing challenges Instagram faces with content moderation and the reliance on human oversight alongside automated systems.

14. Conclusion and Additional Resources

The episode wraps up with reminders about the upcoming Social Media Marketing World event and additional resources for listeners to further explore Instagram’s updates and strategies. Chelsea Pites shares her contact details for those interested in following her work.

[21:15] Chelsea Pites: "Best place to find me is on the gram, of course. It's just Chelsea Pipes. It's P E I T Z."

Listeners are encouraged to visit SocialMediaExaminer.com for more insights and to join the conversation at Social Media Marketing World.

This episode provides marketers with a thorough overview of Instagram's latest features and updates, equipping them with actionable insights to optimize their social media strategies in 2025. From enhanced content reach mechanisms to improved DM management and integration with Threads, the discussed updates aim to bolster user engagement and streamline marketing efforts on the platform.