Introduction

Instagram, the photo and video sharing social media platform has evolved a lot since its launch in 2010. Through its continuous improvements, exciting updates, and innovative campaigns, Instagram has successfully engaged with its users, as well as brands, influencers, and businesses. Instagram has become a powerful platform for people to express themselves and market products and services in a convenient way. Social media has shaped the way people live, think, and interact.

As we look toward the future, what Instagram trends can we expect in 2023? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 12 Instagram trends to watch out for that will help you stay ahead of the game!

1. Artificial intelligence (AI)

Instagram has already started to use artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance its users’ experience by improving content discovery, combating negativity, and fostering engagement. Instagram algorithms currently use AI to monitor the quality of content to overcome spam or misinformation. AI can help to provide users with personalized recommendations of accounts, hashtags, products, and also create more accurate ad targeting. AI-powered chatbots may also be seen on Instagram in the future to enable easy communication with brands for customer service and support.

2. Augmented reality (AR) filters

AR filters have recently become a huge hit on Instagram. Filters, the fun and engaging effects that overlay and manipulate the image, have taken Instagram by storm. Just as Snapchat filters, Instagram’s AR filters provide users with an amusing way to share their everyday lives. These filters can simulate a wide range of elements such as animals, makeup, and surroundings. AR filters can also be used as an accessible way for advertisers to promote their products.

3. Video content

As the popularity of Instagram increases over time, video content like IGTV has a larger share of the platform now. In 2023, Instagram may expect to see more video content shared on the platform. The rise of TikTok has given Instagram the push to create and encourage more content in the video format, including Reels short-form videos. Already, reels have been shown more frequently to users, which allows users to grow their following by reaching more people.

4. Social commerce

There has always been a significant overlap between social media and e-commerce. Instagram is already playing an essential role in driving traffic to online stores through shoppable posts and tags. Instagram’s future is expected to be more business-friendly, as users will continue to go to social commerce to make purchases. Instagram will provide users with the opportunity to buy and sell more efficiently, with features such as in-app purchases, as seen in Facebook and Instagram collab to provide users with mini-shops.

5. Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing is a significant trend right now and will continue to explode on Instagram in the future. Influencer marketing has a great reach among younger audiences who may not be influenced by traditional advertising. Brands are starting to engage with micro-influencers, as they may be more affordable and have a higher engagement rate than macro-influencers. Instagram may introduce more ways for influencers to monetize their content, like affiliate marketing.

6. Micro-Communities

Instagram already hosts different communities for people with different interests. However, in the future, Instagram will host more micro-communities. These communities will be smaller and more detailed in the content they share. Micro-communities will be created based on shared interests, languages, and regions. These smaller communities will allow people to connect and share experiences with those who have similar lifestyles and interests.

7. Podcasts on Instagram

Just as with video, Instagram may launch a podcast feature in the future to host and listen to podcasts. Podcasts’ popularity has increased significantly in recent years, and Instagram has the advantage of an already established user base that can make listening and discovering new podcasts accessible. The podcast feature will allow creators to distribute their podcasts by sharing video previews of their content, in addition to the audio.

8. User-Generated Content (UGC)

Social media is all about user-generated content, and Instagram is not different. UGC creates a favorable impression among the followers, as it provides one with genuine feedback about a product. Instagram has unique features that allow users to share their content and engage with others. Instagram can also feature actively engaged users on the platform and reward them through incentives such as social proofing, badges, stickers, and hashtags.

9. Interactive Storytelling

Instagram stories are already a popular way of sharing spontaneous moments. Story format provides a space for shorter content that disappears after 24 hours. In the future, storytelling on Instagram will involve engagement and interaction. Creators can add interactive elements to provide a more immersive and attractive experience. Features like polls, quizzes, and countdowns, as well as exclusive GIFs and stickers, can make content more interactive and help to increase engagement.

10. Cause Marketing

Cause Marketing involves brands supporting social or environmental issues. In 2023, Instagram may be seen as a vital platform for social media activism. Brands that advocate social or environmental issues through Instagram are more accessible to reach out to the respective target audience. Instagram may provide a dedicated space for brands to share their motive and collaborate with influencers or followers to support these causes.

11. Diversity and Inclusivity

Instagram encourages diversity and inclusivity through different kinds of content. Inclusion and Representation on Instagram are essential, as it provides an opportunity to acknowledge different kinds of identity and offer a space equal for everyone. More and more creators are bringing diversity into their work, and Instagram is very supportive of these efforts.

12. Live Events

Instagram’s live streaming feature is becoming more popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend will continue to dominate the platform going forward. They provide a unique way for live concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other events. Instagram also provides the ‘replay’ feature that will allow viewers to watch live videos again, making the feature more valuable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Instagram is continuously evolving to offer its users innovative features to enhance the experience of using the platform. Instagram still has the potential to grow and introduce more exciting features to benefit both businesses and users. The above-mentioned Instagram trends may help you keep up with the evolving platform and stay ahead of the curve. Keep an eye out for these trends in the coming years and stay tuned for more updates on Instagram!