In 2024, Instagram continues to dominate the social media landscape, offering endless opportunities for brands, influencers, and individuals to connect and grow. As a visually-driven platform with over a billion active users, Instagram is a powerful tool for building an engaged community, boosting brand visibility, and driving sales. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, mastering Instagram requires a keen understanding of its features, trends, and best practices.
In today, System SocialZ will this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to optimize your presence and succeed on Instagram in the coming year..
Introduction Instagram
Instagram is a leading social media platform in 2024, offering businesses and individuals the opportunity to connect, engage, and grow through visual content. Explore the content below with System SocialZ right away:
History of the birth of Instagram
Instagram was launched on October 6, 2010 by founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Initially, the app was called “Burbn,” a platform for users to check in at locations and share photos. However, realizing that photo sharing was the main attraction, they decided to focus entirely on this feature and renamed the app “Instagram.”
History of the birth of Instagram
The name “Instagram” is a combination of “instant camera” and “telegram,” meaning the ability to share photos quickly and instantly between users. Instagram stands out with its photo filter feature, allowing users to instantly edit photos and upload them to the platform easily.
The growth of Instagram over the years
Instagram’s user base grew rapidly after its launch. By May 2010, it had reached 1 million users, and by June 2011, that number had grown to 5 million, increasing to 10 million by September of the same year. By April 2012, the platform had 3 million accounts, and in December 2014, co-founder Kevin Systrom announced that over 300 million users were logging into Instagram every month.
Photo uploads also soared. In July 2011, 100 million photos were uploaded, with the number rising to 150 million by August. By May 2012, 58 photos were uploaded, and 1 new user joined every second. The total number of photos uploaded has since surpassed 1 billion.
Instagram has set strict guidelines for its users, requiring them to be over 13 years old and prohibiting content related to violence, nudity, and pornography. Despite hosting user-generated content, Instagram does not claim ownership of the photos or media shared on the platform.
In August 2012, singer Ellie Goulding used over 1,200 Instagram images for her “Anything Could Happen” music video, showcasing the creative use of Instagram’s content.
By February 27, 2013, Instagram had 100 million active accounts, with 150 million reported in September 2012. The platform became a popular place for celebrities to share their artistic work and personal lives with fans. In 2013, Time magazine named Instagram one of the 50 best apps for Android.
In late 2016, Instagram introduced “Stories” and “Live” features, followed by the launch of the “Reels” feature in early 2021, keeping the platform at the forefront of social media trends.
In recent years, Instagram has grown incredibly rapidly
Top outstanding features of Instagram in 2024
Instagram in 2024 offers cutting-edge features like enhanced Reels, AI-driven content discovery, advanced shopping tools, and interactive Stories, empowering users and businesses to engage and grow more effectively than ever.
Instagram messaging features
Let’s System SocialZ explore with the standout messaging features on Instagram ở nội dung bên dưới, which include disappearing messages, voice notes, reactions, polls, and cross-platform messaging—making it easier to stay connected and engage with others seamlessly.
Instagram’s Direct Messages Edit direct messages (DMs)(DMs) on Instagram feature allows users to communicate privately, offering options like disappearing messages, multimedia sharing, voice notes, and reactions. This versatile messaging tool enhances connections and makes conversations more dynamic.
Messaging tool enhances connections when use Instagram
Catch up with friends
Send messages, photos, and videos to friends on Instagram, adding personalized effects for a more creative touch. You can also share posts directly or connect with others through video chat for a richer experience.
More ways to express yourself
Enhance your conversations with message effects, custom reactions, stickers, GIFs, and polls to express yourself fully with friends. You can also personalize your chat background with custom colors and themes for a unique touch.
Send messages that only last for a moment
Activate Vanish Mode to enjoy playful conversations with messages and photos that disappear once viewed or when you exit the chat, adding an element of privacy and spontaneity.
This feature helps increase security when you use Instagram.
Share your thoughts with Notes
Notes in your Inbox let you share brief updates and see what your friends are up to. These short posts, up to 60 characters long, can include only text and emojis.
Turn off viewed notifications
You can choose to enable or disable read receipts for all chats or specific conversations through your account settings. However, please note that this feature is not available for end-to-end encrypted chats.
Pin the conversation
This feature makes it easier for you to find conversations.
Users can pin up to three preferred conversations at the top of their inbox. To pin a chat, open Instagram, navigate to DMs, swipe left or press and hold the conversation, and then choose “Pin.”
Save favorite stickers
Instagram lets you store your preferred stickers in DMs for future use. To do this, simply press and hold the sticker you wish to save, and it will be displayed at the top of the sticker section.
Reply to messages in many forms
Instagram has recently introduced new features that make it easier to reply to messages. Users can now respond with stickers, GIFs, videos, images, and voice messages directly through the Direct Messages (DM) section.
Add text and stickers to photos
Instagram simplifies the process of adding text and stickers to photos, even in carousel posts. Users have a wide selection of fonts, effects, and animations to choose from.
This feature makes your conversation more interesting.
Instagram posting features
Limit interactions: This feature allows you to limit interactions to only people on your close friends list. Other users can still interact with the post, but their comments and messages will not be visible.
Increase the number of photos uploaded in the post: No longer limited to 10 photos/clips per post, now the photo and video limit in Instagram posts has been increased to 20.
Features of Instagram stories
Instagram Stories are short, disappearing videos or photos that allow users to share their daily moments. Let’s learn about Instagram Stories functions with System SocialZ.
Instagram Stories Are Popular in 2024
Capture what you’re up to with ease
Stories let you capture your day-to-day life, emphasize special moments, or express yourself with text, music, interactive stickers, filters, and GIFs to make your stories come alive.
Spark connections
Like a friend’s story to show your support, or start a conversation by replying with a DM
Join in with friends
Start a conversation with your friends by using ‘Add Yours’, ‘Polls’, or ‘Question’ stickers. Share a moment and get their input.
Highlight your favorite moments on profile
Preserve your favorite Stories beyond 24 hours by featuring them as Highlights on your profile.
Furthermore, Stories offer a way to connect with friends and interests by sharing daily moments in photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Choose who sees your Stories – everyone or your Close Friends – and even save them as Highlights on your profile.
Features of Reels on Instagram
Instagram Reels are short, creative videos that you can make and share with your friends or a wider audience. Come join us and discover what Reels can do.
What are the outstanding features of Reels on Instagram?
Express yourself with short, fun videos
Express yourself with multi-clip videos up to 90 seconds. Add cool text, AR filters, and music, or use videos from your gallery
Bring your ideas to life with creative tools
Make your videos look professional with Align, a tool that helps you match objects between clips. Use the timer to record without touching your phone, and adjust the speed of your video and audio to suit your needs.
Collaborate and play with Remix
Elevate your videos with Align, a tool that seamlessly blends clips by matching objects. Record hands-free using the timer and fine-tune the speed of your video and audio for a polished finish.
Discover the best of emerging culture
Discover trending Reels in the new Reels tab. Share them with friends on Messenger or add them to your Stories.
Say more with music and sounds
Enhance your Reels with music from our library, your own recordings, or your voice. Create and share audio pages to showcase your sound.
You join the fun with Reels! These short videos are a great way to connect with your community and share your creativity. Discover inspiring content and get inspired.
Discover and buy from brands and creators you love
Create your unique style with curated picks from our community of creators. Let’s explore the content below with System SocialZ.
You can freely shop for products from brands and content creators you like.
See it, love it, shop it
You can shop on Instagram in various ways, such as by tapping product tags, saving items to wish lists, or making purchases directly through the checkout feature.
Tap to shop
If you see items in your Feed or Stories that catch your interest, tap the product tag to view details such as the name and price.
Save it now, buy it later
“Save it now” encourages users to take immediate action to save the product, helping them not to forget the product they are interested in. “Buy it later” allows users to freely decide when to buy, without putting pressure on them to buy immediately.
Buy on Instagram
When you spot the “Buy on Instagram” button, simply tap “Add to Bag” to proceed with checkout, using Meta Pay for a smooth and secure shopping experience. Your payment details can be safely stored for future purchases, and eligible items are protected under Instagram’s Purchase Protection Policy.
Discover and go deep on topics that inspire you
Find interesting photos, reels, accounts: Explore your interests in detail with Instagram’s powerful search engine. This will help you have more experiences when using this platform
See more of what interests you: Your feed, your way. See more of what you love, curated just for you
Discover something new: Discover new passions. Search by keyword to find relevant content and creators.
Instagram Ads Library
Instagram offers several types of advertising formats, each designed to reach different goals and audiences. Here’s a breakdown of the key types of ads on Instagram:
Photo Instagram Ads
Photo ads are the most basic and widely used form of advertising on Instagram. These ads blend seamlessly into users’ feeds and look just like any other post, making them less intrusive. They allow businesses to capture attention quickly through visually appealing images and are perfect for conveying simple messages.
- Format: Single image
- Purpose: Ideal for showcasing products, services, or visually engaging content. These ads appear seamlessly in users’ feeds, blending in with regular posts.
Video Instagram Ads
Video ads are highly engaging and allow businesses to deliver more complex messages through motion, sound, and storytelling. With Instagram’s video format, brands can capture attention more dynamically, making them a powerful tool for product demonstrations or brand storytelling.
- Format: Videos up to 60 seconds (feed) or longer in IGTV ads
- Purpose: Great for storytelling, product demos, or highlighting multiple features in an engaging way.
Carousel Instagram Ads
Carousel Instagram ads allow users to swipe through multiple images or videos within a single ad. This format is perfect for brands that want to showcase a series of products, features, or steps in a story, providing more interaction and engagement than a single photo or video.
- Format: Multiple images or videos in a swipeable format (up to 10 slides)
- Purpose: Perfect for displaying a range of products, services, or telling a multi-step story. It encourages users to swipe through more content.
Stories Instagram Ads
Stories ads take advantage of Instagram’s full-screen, vertical story format, appearing between organic user stories. These ads disappear after 24 hours, making them ideal for timely promotions, limited offers, or event-related ads. Their immersive nature makes them one of the most effective ad types on Instagram.
- Format: Full-screen vertical image or video ad that appears between user stories
- Purpose: Utilizes Instagram Stories to deliver immersive and timely ads. Great for limited-time offers or dynamic storytelling.
Explore Instagram Ads
Explore ads appear in the Explore tab, where users go to discover new content. These ads are particularly effective for reaching people outside of a brand’s existing follower base, as they are shown to users actively searching for new ideas, brands, and trends.
- Format: Photos or videos shown in the Explore tab
- Purpose: Reaching new audiences who are actively searching for content beyond their current follower base. It’s a great way to expand reach.
Shopping Instagram Ads
Shopping ads enable businesses to showcase products directly within their posts and allow users to shop seamlessly on the platform. By tapping on product tags, users can view product details and make purchases without leaving Instagram, making the shopping experience smooth and direct.
- Format: Images or videos with product tags
- Purpose: Shopping ads enable users to shop directly from the post, offering a seamless e-commerce experience. Tapping on the product tag takes users to a product description page within Instagram.
Reels Instagram Ads
Reels ads appear within Instagram’s short, TikTok-like Reels videos. These ads are great for brands targeting younger audiences and for those looking to create entertaining and engaging content. Reels ads are especially effective for viral marketing due to their interactive and playful nature.
- Format: Short video ads (up to 30 seconds) in the Reels section
- Purpose: Used for creating engaging, entertaining content similar to TikTok’s format. It’s great for creative storytelling and engagement with younger audiences.
Collection Instagram Ads
Collection ads combine the power of imagery and shopping, allowing users to browse through a curated collection of products within a single ad. These ads provide a visually appealing and streamlined shopping experience, making them ideal for showcasing multiple items at once.
- Format: A cover image or video followed by a series of product images
- Purpose: These ads enable users to browse through a collection of products directly from the ad, making it perfect for e-commerce businesses.
IGTV Instagram Ads
IGTV ads appear during long-form video content, usually lasting longer than typical Instagram feed videos. This ad format is ideal for brands looking to share more detailed stories, tutorials, or product explanations, while maintaining the audience’s interest.
- Format: Vertical video ads that appear when users watch IGTV content
- Purpose: Ideal for long-form video content creators and brands aiming to share detailed product stories or announcements.
Branded Content Ads
Branded content ads allow businesses to promote content created by influencers or other partners. By boosting organic posts from trusted creators, these ads increase brand credibility and reach a wider audience, building trust with potential customers.
- Format: Content created by influencers or creators that brands promote
- Purpose: Boosts the reach of organic posts created by influencers or partners, enhancing credibility and trust in the audience.
Each ad type serves different purposes depending on the marketing strategy, from boosting engagement to driving conversions. Brands can select the format that best aligns with their goals and target audience.
What is the Instagram community?
The Instagram community is a diverse global network of users who connect, share, and engage through photos, videos, stories, and reels. Let’s learn about Instagram community with System SocialZ.
Instagram helps you connect with your community
Instagram Business
Looking to grow your business on Instagram? Let’s dive into the world of Instagram Business with System SocialZ
Culture Comes Alive on Instagram
Compared with other platforms, respondents pointed out that Instagram is one of the top spaces for updating trends. In fact, 47% of the respondents strongly oppose Instagram as a place where culture takes place. These contents may come from people you know in real life, content creators you care about, and even enterprises. 44% of the respondents strongly associated Instagram with exploring small brands and local brands.
Instagram is a platform where people can discover new things and future trends. People’s interests extend from activities and social activities to other things. Compared with other platforms, respondents think that Instagram is one of the first choice spaces to update their preferences, and it is also the first choice platform to update their favorite brands. Advertisers on Instagram are considered fashionable, famous, creative, relevant and interesting. For brands, Instagram is a space for them to find fashion trends, develop their own ideas and share them widely.
Businesses can contribute to promoting cultural development
People use Instagram not only to record happy moments. In fact, many people think that this platform is a tool for them to understand important issues and become social activists in the community. Through this platform, people can look for information about social goals and opportunities they can contribute. Among the active respondents on Instagram, 69% are more likely to buy products from brands suitable for everyone, while 66% are more likely to buy products from brands that support social movements that they care about or reflect their personal values and beliefs.
Businesses can contribute to promoting cultural development on Instagram
Although it is more and more important for brands to consider their influence on society and the world, they also need to truly and correctly contribute to the company’s mission and products/services. For example, clothing brands can explore how to reduce the waste generated by the fashion industry, and CPG can donate part of its income to local food banks.
Create content that shares your brand’s culture
Don’t hesitate to share the factors that make up your company culture. Compared with other platforms, respondents pointed out that Instagram is one of the first platforms to show themselves, which also applies to enterprises. 59% of active Instagram users agree that it is important for brands to publish interesting or interesting content, while 58% of respondents agree that it is important for brands to publish real, unedited or unedited content.
Therefore, you don’t have to worry about not having the latest and best equipment to shoot movies or produce content. Unedited articles are still influential. The most important thing is the authenticity of the brand story, and you must be honest yourself.
Instagram Creator
Are you an aspiring content creator? Learn everything you need to know about becoming an Instagram Creator with us.
Should You Try Becoming an Instagram Content Creator?
Make money by doing what you do best
Get creative, get paid. Discover endless opportunities for branded content, badges, and shopping.
Protect your account and peace of mind with our safety tools
Monetize your content in multiple ways. From branded partnerships to in-stream purchases, the possibilities are endless.
Own your insights, own your growth
Instagram is committed to providing every creator with the tools they need to thrive. Success begins with understanding your audience and knowing how to connect with them. With Instagram Insights and Meta Business Suite, you’ll have everything you need to grow and engage effectively.
Broadcast Channel
What are the features of Broadcast on Instagram?
Looking to reach a wide audience? Learn about the power of broadcast channels with us.
Share voice notes: Send a voice note in seconds. Say “good morning” or share a tune.
Share your channel: Spread the word. Share your channel to your stories and pin it to your profile.
Personalise your channel: Give your channel a clear and engaging title, craft a welcoming message, and define your channel’s purpose.
Collaborate with others: Collaborators are key to channel management. They can message and moderate, but not alter settings.
Use interactive features: Create dynamic conversations. Use polls and questions to engage your audience.
Direct line to different audiences: Adapt to your audience. Create multiple channels to cater to different interests.
Threads
Threads is trusted by many people in 2024
Threads has many interesting and convenient functions, so you can enjoy the best social networking experience. Some of the main functions of Threads social network are:
Share short content in the form of text, images, videos, GIFs
Threads social network allows you to share your thoughts, stories and experiences in a variety of multimedia formats, interact with short posts, which are as short as 500 characters or less, and fully express yourself through links, engaging images and 5-minute videos. You can create an unlimited number of posts as long as they are related to the theme of the topic. You can also edit or delete your article if you like.
Follow Threads
You can follow other people’s threads that you are interested in or like. You will be notified when a new article appears in the thread you follow. You can also stop tracking threads that you don’t want to see.
Comment and interact
To reply, send a heart icon, or republish another user’s content on the Threads application, click the content to open the details screen.
Enter your answer in the text box below it. You can write up to 500 characters for each answer. You can also insert a link, video or picture into your reply by clicking the corresponding icon. After entering your reply, please click the “Reply” button to send your reply.
Click the heart icon below the content to send the heart icon to the user. You can send multiple heart icons for one content. The user will be notified when someone sends a heart icon for their content.
Click the three-point icon in the upper right corner of the content to open the options menu. Then, select Share to republish the content to the Threads application. You can add to the republished content by entering your content in the text box. After entering the content, click the “Post” button to republish the content.
Explore threads
You can explore new threads that you may be interested in according to your interests and history. You can also search threads by keyword, topic tag or directory to find the thread that suits your needs.
To find topics and users’ interests in the Threads application, click the magnifying glass icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Then, enter the keywords or topics you want to search into the search box. You will see relevant results appear at the bottom of the search box. You can click on the results to see the content related to the keyword or topic. Click the tracking icon next to the result to track the user or topic. You will be notified when there is new content related to users or topics you follow.
How to download, create and use Instagram in 2024
Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos, connect with friends and family, and discover new content. To get started, you’ll need to download the Instagram app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Once you’ve created an account, you can explore the app’s features, such as posting content, following other users, and using Instagram Stories. By understanding how to navigate and utilize Instagram effectively, you can connect with your audience, build your brand, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
Download Instagram for Android, IOS and PC
How to download Instagram in 2024?
Download for Android and IOS
Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) on your device.
Use the search bar to look for “Instagram.”
Locate the Instagram app in the search results (it features the iconic camera logo).
Tap “Install” (iOS) or “Get” (Android) to download the app. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password or confirm your Google account to proceed.
Download for PC
Instagram is primarily designed for mobile devices, but you can also access a basic version via a web browser on your computer. To download the app for Windows, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.
- Search for “Instagram” using the search bar.
- Click on the Instagram app and select “Get” to download and install it.
How to sign up for Instagram?
You can sign up for Instagram either through the app or by visiting Instagram.com. Simply click the ‘Sign Up’ button to get started. Choose to register using your Facebook account, or sign up with your email or phone number. After selecting a username and password, you’ll be ready to set up your profile.
I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the process was. With my existing Facebook account, joining Instagram took just a few clicks.
How to sign up Instagram in 2024?
Here’s how to sign up:
On Desktop: Go to Instagram.com and click “Log in with Facebook,” or fill out the form with your mobile number or email, name, username, and password. Then click “Sign up.”
On Android: Open the Instagram app and tap “Sign Up With Email or Phone Number.”
On iPhone: Download the Instagram app from the App Store, then select “Sign Up.” Enter your email address or phone number and tap “Next,” or choose to sign up with your Facebook account.
Once you’ve created a username and password, you’ll be guided through setting up your profile. If you signed up using Facebook, you’ll need to log into your Facebook account if you’re not already logged in.
How to use Instagram?
As a user, you begin by following accounts that share content you’re interested in. You can also post content that fascinates you, which may attract followers in return. (I’ll guide you through both processes shortly.) For instance, Reece Callaway shares, “I use Instagram to showcase the exciting trips and adventures I experience with my friends and family!”
For businesses, the goal is to consistently create and share engaging content that resonates with your target audience. What this looks like can vary based on your marketing objectives and audience preferences.
To explore different strategies, Callaway suggests checking out the Instagram profiles of Pretty Little Marketer, McLaren Racing, and Aesop Skincare. “Each of these accounts has a deep understanding of their brand and their audience,” he notes. “They excel at delivering content that perfectly aligns with their unique brand voice.”
Understanding how Instagram notifications work
If you’re like me and get easily distracted or overwhelmed by social media, adjusting your notifications to receive only the information you want can be really helpful.
For example, you can choose to get notifications when anyone likes your post — or you might decide to only receive notifications when someone you follow likes your post.
Or, like me, you might turn off notifications for likes altogether. To give you a heads-up, there are many different categories of notifications.
What do Instagram notifications include?
Here’s an official list of the types of notifications you might receive:
- Likes and Comments on Photos of You.
- Comments.
- Comment Likes and Pins.
- Comment Daily Digest.
- First Posts and Stories.
- Notes.
- Add to Post Submissions.
- Added to PostMention Requests.
- New Followers.
- Accepted Follow Requests.
- Account suggestions.
- Mentions in Bio.
- Message Requests.
- Messages from Individual and Group Chats.
- Message Reminders.
- Group Requests.
- Broadcast Channel Invites.
- Broadcast Channel Messages
- Original Audio
- Remixes.
- Live Videos.
- Recently Uploaded Reels.
- Most Watched Reels.
- Add Yours.
- Reels Made for You.
- Your Fundraisers.
- Fundraisers by Others.
- Reminders.
- Product Announcements & Feedback.
- Support Requests.
- Trending Places.
- Birthdays.
How to upload, edit, or post an image on Instagram?
Want to share your amazing photos with the world? Learn how to easily upload, edit, and post images on Instagram with System SocialZ
Post on phone
Now, let’s dive into one of the most crucial aspects of Instagram — uploading and posting images.
Before you begin, keep in mind that Instagram operates quite differently from Facebook or Twitter in terms of behavior and etiquette. On Facebook, it’s common to post multiple photos in an album, but on Instagram, you need to be more selective about the photos you share. Typically, it’s best to post no more than once a day and avoid uploading too many similar photos.
For example, posting fifty pictures from the same beach vacation would seem excessive on Instagram. Instead, select the top five or six photos and group them into a single post. These are known as carousel posts, which let you share multiple images in one post while keeping your overall profile visually appealing and varied.
Want to create a cohesive aesthetic? Check out Instagram account themes for inspiration. For a more in-depth understanding, consider taking System SocialZ Instagram Marketing Course.
How to post on instagram from phone?
Now, let’s go through the process of uploading, editing, and posting an image:
- Click the “+” Icon: Tap the “+” icon at the top right corner of the screen. You’ll be prompted to choose the type of post you want to create. To post directly to your profile feed, select “Post.”
- Choose Your Media File: You have three options here: browse through your phone’s Photos library, take a new photo using Instagram’s camera, or record a new video. For this example, I selected a photo of Boston from my Photos library and clicked “Next” in the top right corner.
- Add Filters: You can enhance your image with filters. Instagram displays filters first; scroll through them and tap any filter to apply it. If you want a subtler effect, double-tap the filter and adjust the intensity by sliding the cursor left.
- Edit Your Image: If you want to make further adjustments, tap “Edit.” Here, you can modify contrast, brightness, structure, warmth, and more. Once you’re satisfied with your edits (or if you choose not to edit), click “Next” in the top right corner.
- Write a Caption and Adjust Sharing Settings: Add a caption, tag people (if they have Instagram accounts), and include a location. You can also share the post on other linked social media platforms by toggling the buttons beside Facebook or other accounts. When you’re ready to publish, click “Share” in the top right corner.
And that’s it! You’re now ready to share your content with the world.
Post on PC
You can easily upload videos to Instagram from your desktop, which is perfect for sharing professionally-shot content that might not be readily available on your phone. This feature allows you to post marketing videos, freelancer shoots, or content from your in-house videographer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to post a video to Instagram from any web browser:
How to post on instagram from PC?
Visit the Instagram Website Open your preferred browser and navigate to Instagram’s website. Log in with your credentials.
- Click the “+” Button: Just like you would for posting a photo, click the “+” button next to the Direct Message (DM) icon in the top navigation bar of your Instagram feed.
- Upload Your Media: Select “Choose from computer” to upload your video file. It’s best to use an MP4 file to avoid compatibility issues. Ensure your video file size is under 650 MB for videos less than 10 minutes, and under 3.6 GB for videos up to 60 minutes.
- Resize Your Video and Add More Media: Instagram offers options to adjust your video’s aspect ratio and add more media. For horizontal videos, a 16:9 aspect ratio works best to avoid cropping. For a cleaner look on your profile, a 1:1 ratio prevents white space.
- Choose a Cover Photo, Trim the Video, and Adjust Sound Options: Select a cover photo that will be visible before users click “Play.” You can upload a custom cover photo, trim your video, and toggle the sound on or off.
- Add a Caption, Tag Users, Add Alt Text, and Adjust Comment Settings: On the next screen, write a caption, tag anyone featured in the video, add alt text for accessibility, and choose whether to disable comments.
- Click Share: Once you’ve reviewed everything, click “Share” to publish your video on Instagram.
And there you have it — your video is now live on Instagram!
How to upload an image or video to Stories on Instagram?
Instagram Stories is a feature that lets you share videos or images that disappear after 24 hours. This feature is great for keeping your audience engaged, as it encourages them to frequently check back on your page. Similar to Snapchat, Instagram Stories often showcase more casual and spontaneous content, giving a behind-the-scenes look at your daily life.
The latest way to post Instagram stories in 2024
For example, you might post a polished photo of yourself and friends at a baseball game on your main feed, but share a more spontaneous video of the stadium singing “Sweet Caroline” on your Story.
Here’s how to create and share an Instagram Story:
- Access Your Story: Tap your profile picture in the upper-left corner of your feed. Alternatively, swipe right or click the “+” button in the top navigation bar to enter the Stories feature.
- Capture or Upload Media: Within the Stories interface, you can either capture a new photo or video directly from the app or select an image from your media library if you prefer to use something already saved on your phone.
- Enhance Your Story: Use the editing features on the left side to add stickers, filters, and text. The “Create” button lets you add location tags, hashtags, timestamps, and emojis. The “Boomerang” option creates a looping video. Tap the “Aa” icon to add and customize text. To add stickers, click the smiley face icon; drag any sticker you don’t like to the bottom of the screen to delete it. Swipe left or right to apply filters to your photo or video.
- Publish Your Story: When you’re satisfied with your content, tap the white arrow icon in the bottom-right corner to share your Story with all your followers. Alternatively, you can choose “Close Friends” if you want to limit the audience. Your Story will be live instantly!
And that’s it! Your Story is now shared and ready for your audience to view.
The complete guide to following people on Instagram
How to increase Instagram followers in 2024?
Here’s how to follow someone on Instagram:
Access the Search Feature: Tap the search icon at the bottom of your screen. This icon, resembling a magnifying glass, is located next to the “Home” button.
Search for Users or Topics: Enter the name of a person, brand, or topic you’re interested in. For example, if you’re a fan of funny dog content, you might search for “dog derps.” Instagram will show you a mix of posts containing those keywords, and you can also tap “See All Results” to explore tags and locations.
Select and Follow an Account: Once you find an account you’d like to follow, tap on it. On their profile page, you’ll see a blue “Follow” button at the top. For public profiles, you can follow them instantly. If the profile is private, you’ll need to wait for them to accept your follow request.
By using these steps, you can easily connect with accounts that match your interests and see their posts on your feed.
Is it possible to connect Instagram to other Social Media Accounts?
Yes, you can link your Instagram account to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, but that doesn’t mean you should post the same content across all platforms.
“In an ideal scenario, each of your brand’s social media channels should feature unique content tailored to the specific behavior of users on each platform,” says Emily Kearns. In other words, what resonates on Instagram might not be as effective on Threads.
Which social networks can connect to Instagram?
So why connect your accounts? Linking Instagram to other platforms enables cross-promotion, allowing users to see how your brand is presented differently across various channels. This integration helps users follow your content wherever they are, according to Callaway.
“I often switch between social apps throughout the day,” he adds. “By connecting your accounts, users can more easily discover and follow your brand across the different platforms they frequent.”
Connecting Your Instagram Account to Facebook: A How-To Guide
Since Instagram and Facebook are both owned by Meta, linking your accounts can streamline your social media experience. By connecting Instagram and Facebook, you can:
- Share Stories across both platforms
- Log in to Instagram using your Facebook account
- Sync your profile name and picture between the two accounts
- Use Facebook Pay on both platforms
- Access shopping activity across both accounts
If you’re an active Facebook user, linking your Instagram profile is a great idea.
Here’s how to connect your accounts:
- Open the Instagram App: Launch Instagram on your device.
- Go to Your Profile: Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Access Settings: Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap “Settings.”
- Open Accounts Center: Under the Meta logo, select “Accounts Center.”
- Set Up Accounts Center: Tap “Set up Accounts Center.”
- Log In to Facebook: Follow the prompts to log in to your Facebook account.
Pro Tip: Some users experience issues with automatically sharing Instagram content to Facebook, such as background music not transferring. To avoid this, try sharing posts manually rather than relying on automatic sharing.
You’re all set to enhance your social media game! For further tips, check out insights from our survey of nearly 700 Instagram pros.
Logging into Instagram is easier when linked with Facebook
Instagram tips backed by data
Here are four key takeaways from a System SocialZ Blog survey of nearly 700 global Instagram marketers:
Timing Matters: Over 50% of marketers recommend posting on Fridays for optimal engagement. While daily posting is beneficial, reserve your top content for Fridays to maximize impact.
Use Effective Hashtags: Most marketers use 10-15 hashtags per post. Select hashtags that are both relevant to your product and popular in searches to boost visibility.
Showcase Your Products: According to 36.9% of marketers, posts that highlight products and services receive the highest engagement. Don’t hesitate to promote what you offer!
Evaluate ROI: Although videos tend to get the most views and likes, standard image posts generate the most shares and comments. Given the effort required for high-quality videos, 26% of marketers find images to deliver the highest return on investment.
3 Proven Strategies to Grow Your Business or Personal Brand on Instagram
Starting on a new platform like Instagram and feeling the pressure to grow quickly can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are three straightforward tips to accelerate your Instagram growth:
Post High-Quality Content Consistently
Posting high-quality content daily is essential for growth on Instagram, and really on any social media platform. But simply saying “post daily” isn’t enough. Here’s how to make it actionable:
What types of posts should you share?
Test various content types to see what resonates most with your audience. Initially, follow Instagram Head Adam Mosseri’s advice: aim for at least two feed posts and two Instagram Stories daily.
How do you find new content ideas?
Keep track of which posts drive the most engagement, including likes, comments, shares, and saves. For a hassle-free way to track this data, use System SocialZ, which provides comprehensive analytics and audience insights.
Content creation is very important in attracting followers.
Find Fresh Content Ideas
Struggling to come up with content ideas? Here are a few strategies:
Engage with Your Audience: While you might not have an audience on Instagram yet, consider what they might be struggling with. If you have a following on another platform, ask them about their pain points and create content around those topics. Use System SocialZ’s Ideas feature to keep track of your content ideas easily.
Leverage Trends: Monitor popular trends on Instagram, such as viral acts or sounds, and adapt them to fit your niche. Stay updated on trends by following @creators, which publishes a regular trends report. Instagram’s Professional Dashboard also offers a “Tips and Resources” section for inspiration.
Remix Reels: Instagram allows you to add your own clip to existing Reels or posts. Simply tap the three dots on a Reel or post and select “Remix” to incorporate your own video. Remixing popular posts can boost your reach and engagement.
Schedule Your Posts
To manage the frequency of your posts, schedule them in advance. This approach lightens your workload and allows you to focus on creating quality content rather than remembering to post. Use a social media scheduler like System SocialZ for an overview of your posting schedule and detailed analytics.
Determine Optimal Posting Times
Timing is crucial for engagement. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the best time to post is when your audience is most active. System SocialZ can help by calculating the optimal posting times based on your engagement data, so you don’t have to guess.
By following these tips, you can streamline your Instagram strategy, keep your content engaging, and track your performance effectively.
Optimized posting times will help you gain more followers
Use Instagram DMs to Connect with Your Followers
Instagram Stories offer a powerful yet often overlooked way to engage with your audience. Two particularly useful features for this are Saved Replies and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). These tools help you efficiently manage common queries and maintain consistent communication.
For instance, if your followers frequently ask about shipping timelines, you can streamline your responses:
Saved Replies: Save your standard shipping response (e.g., “Delivery typically takes two to six working days, depending on location”) so you can easily insert it into your messages without retyping or copying from another app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Store common questions and their answers in your FAQ section. This way, when someone sends a DM with a frequently asked question, they receive an automatic response without requiring your direct input.
To set up Saved Replies and FAQs, go to “Settings and Privacy,” then tap “Creator Tools and Controls.” You’ll find options to add both Saved Replies and FAQs.
The main difference is that FAQs are automatically sent when a relevant question is received, whereas Saved Replies require you to type a shortcut and send it manually.
Leverage Keywords and Hashtags to Reach Your Target Audience
Instagram is continuously enhancing its search functionality, analyzing keywords in carousel posts, Reels, captions, and hashtags to rank content effectively. The exciting news? Instagram’s search capabilities are still evolving, so mastering the basics can significantly boost your visibility.
Don’t forget Hashtag when posting on Instagram
Here are three straightforward strategies to optimize your Instagram SEO:
Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Use pertinent keywords throughout your posts, including text, subtitles, and captions, to improve content discoverability.
Utilize Hashtags Wisely: Include three to five well-chosen hashtags per post to help categorize your content and increase its reach.
Optimize Your Profile: Integrate industry and niche-specific keywords into your Instagram profile, such as in your username and bio, to enhance your profile’s relevance in search results.
By following these practices, you can effectively enhance your visibility and connect with your ideal audience on Instagram.
How to Get Many Followers on Instagram: A Quick Guide
- Optimize Your Profile: Ensure your bio is clear, engaging, and reflects your brand or personality. Use a recognizable profile picture and include a link to your website or portfolio.
- Post High-Quality Content: Share visually appealing, relevant, and consistent content. Use a mix of photos, videos, and stories to keep your audience engaged.
- Use Hashtags Wisely: Research trending and niche-specific hashtags to increase your post’s visibility. Don’t overuse, but ensure they are relevant to your content.
- Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and engage with your followers regularly. This builds a loyal community and encourages more interaction.
- Collaborate with Others: Partner with influencers or brands in your niche to reach a wider audience. Shoutouts or co-branded content can help grow your following.
- Leverage Instagram Stories & Reels: These features help you stay visible and provide fun, creative ways to interact with your followers.
- Post at Optimal Times: Share content when your audience is most active to maximize engagement. Experiment and monitor performance to find the best times to post.
- Run Contests & Giveaways: Encourage users to follow, like, and tag friends in exchange for a chance to win a prize. This can rapidly increase visibility and followers.
By following these strategies, you’ll steadily grow your Instagram following organically.
Instagram – FAQs
What are some frequently asked questions when using Instagram?
When Was Instagram Launched?
Instagram was launched on October 6, 2010, initially exclusive to iOS devices. Within just two months, the app quickly amassed one million registered users. As of early 2024, Instagram boasts over 1.4 billion monthly active users.
How Did Instagram Become So Successful?
Instagram’s emphasis on photo sharing and commenting fostered high levels of user engagement and organic word-of-mouth promotion, as users eagerly invited friends and family to join. Its intuitive interface and appealing features contributed to its widespread popularity. This blend of simplicity and engagement kept users—often known for their short attention spans—scrolling through countless posts, creating a compelling and, in many ways, addictive user experience.
Is It Possible to Browse Instagram Without an Account?
You can explore Instagram with limited features for a short period without an account. However, after a while, you’ll be prompted to log in to continue using the platform.
Which Devices Can I Use to Access Instagram?
You can browse Instagram with limited functionality for a short time without an account. After a while, you’ll be prompted to log in before you can continue.
What Does Instagram Handle Mean?
Keep your brand consistent. Use your company name as your Instagram handle. System SocialZ does it perfectly: @SystemSocialZ
What Defines an Instagram Influencer?
An influencer is essentially someone who has cultivated an audience. Much like you trust recommendations from friends, influencers shape opinions through their established connections with their followers. The greater their audience, the more impactful they can be for a marketing campaign.
What Are Instagram Stories and Reels
A Stories are a brief video on Instagram, usually lasting between 15 to 90 second. And Reels are a photo or short video that vanishes after 24 hours.
What Are Impressions on Instagram?
Impressions on Instagram refer to the total number of times a post, story, or advertisement has been viewed by users. Unlike “reach,” which counts the unique viewers, impressions count all views, including multiple views by the same person. For example, if one user views a post three times, that counts as three impressions. This metric helps content creators and businesses understand how often their content is being seen, regardless of whether it leads to engagement. High impressions can indicate strong visibility, but they don’t necessarily reflect user interaction like likes, comments, or shares.
Conclusion
If you’re aiming to grow both professionally and personally, leveraging Instagram is crucial now more than ever. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the platform and its algorithm, then start posting as you get comfortable with the interface. With over one billion users, Instagram is a valuable social media platform with immense potential for growth and engagement. As it continues to evolve, joining Instagram can offer significant benefits for your personal and professional development.
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