Instagram Features Timeline
When Instagram first launched in 2010, it was just a simple photo-sharing app that allowed users to post pictures and apply filters. Over the years, the app has steadily added various features and functionality that have helped to improve user experience.
Initially, Instagram only allowed users to post pictures and apply filters. In 2011, it introduced video capabilities, allowing people to share short videos with their followers. This was followed by private messaging (2012), location tagging (2013), and hashtag support (2013).
In 2016, Instagram introduced multiple account support, allowing users to manage more than one Instagram account from within the app itself rather than having to switch between accounts on other platforms such as Twitter or Facebook. As Instagram has matured, it has become clear that the app’s original purpose was just a starting point.
Instagram’s one of the most recent features is Instagram Stories, which allows users to share stories that disappear after 24 hours. This feature was first announced in 2016 and is currently available to all of the app’s users. The company has also recently introduced ads into its feed and introduced new features such as location tagging, zoomable photos, and stickers.
Latest Instagram Updates to Look out for this 2023
We’re all looking forward to Instagram’s new features this year. Some of these features are already rolled out to selected locations, but we think everyone will love them when they become available for everyone.
Here are some of the new features that Instagram plans to launch this year:
- “Gifts” as Monetisation Feature
Instagram is testing a new monetisation feature called ‘Gifts’ that will allow users to purchase and send digital gifts to one another.
The new feature, which has been in the testing phase for several months, will allow users to purchase a range of different types of gifts from brands and celebrities.
In addition to the gift-giving feature, Instagram is also testing a new “Rewards” program that will give incentives to users who tag their friends in posts in exchange for special promotions or offers.
This new monetisation feature comes in response to Facebook’s recent announcement of their plans for monetising Instagram.
- Quiet Mode
Instagram has announced a new feature that will be rolling out over the next few weeks. Quiet Mode will encourage users to turn on the feature, as it will prevent notifications from coming in and change the profile activity status to ‘In quiet mode.’ An auto-reply will be sent to those who DM the users who have enabled the feature.
This new feature allows users to set the hours they want to be undisturbed because it is customisable, which means that users can set the hours they want to be in “Quiet Mode”. A summary of notifications that users may have missed during their quiet time will be delivered to the account once the feature is turned off.
- Instagram Notes
Instagram Notes is a feature that allows users to post text-only updates that are limited in length (up to 60 characters) and can be shared with multiple people at once.
It will be similar to Stories in many ways: they’ll have a 24-hour lifespan, and they can be viewed by users who have been shared with. After 24 hours, it will not be visible to your Instagram account. Instagram Notes can also be deleted if you want to.
Notes will also have a few different options for formatting: you can add text formatting like bolding or italics, as well as emojis and stickers (which will work just like they do in Stories).
When someone replies to your note, their reply will start a chat between you and that person. The reply is visible only to you and the person who replied and other users cannot see who has viewed or replied to your note.
- Changing the Navigation Bar and Removal of the Shop Tab
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, announced a change in the app navigation system as well as the removal of the Shop tab. This update on the Nav Bar will enable users to see the Home, Search, Create, Reels, and Profile tabs in that order on the Meta-owned platform.
Mosseri also said that the Shop tab will be removed, but users will still be able to shop through their feeds, stories, and reels as well as ads.
In addition, Mosseri said, “The idea here is to simplify Instagram and focus it more on what we’re trying to do,” and that their goal is to “bring people together over what they love.”
The change to the navigation bar, which replaced the Create and Activity functions with shop tabs, was controversial. Users who opposed the move thought that the platform prioritized businesses and influencers over everyday users.
- Control Recommendations
Instagram has announced that users will have the ability to hide multiple pieces of content at a single time. This new feature will add a “Not interested” option for posts, so you can tell Instagram not to show you certain types of content such as Reels and Search results.
This is great news for users who don’t want to see their feeds filled with things they don’t care about. Giving its users even more control over what they see on their feed and Explore page.
Conclusion
As we have seen, Instagram has continually added various features and functionalities to improve its users’ experience. The social media platform continues to grow and expand, providing a fun and engaging way for people to connect with one another. The app is constantly being updated, with new features and enhancements being added on a regular basis. We can expect to see this app continue to improve and adapt to meet the needs of its users.
It is clear that Instagram has made significant progress in terms of user experience. The company has worked hard to make sure that it can provide a fun and engaging experience for its users.
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