8 Instagram Trends That Dominated 2018

8 Instagram Trends That Dominated 2018

Social media platforms are ever-changing. You can usually expect new algorithms, features, functions, and policies to be introduced on a regular basis in response to evolving marketing needs and emerging technology. 

Sometimes these changes can be hard to keep up with. However, it’s good to try to stay on top of things if you want to compete in the hectic world of social media marketing. Take a look at these eight Instagram trends that dominated 2018 to make sure you’re in the know when it comes to one of the most-used platforms today. 

1. Longer Videos with IGTV

IGTV is a new feature that will appeal to all of you who think Instagram’s regular video options too short. Sometimes you simply need more than 60 seconds to share your message. With IGTV, you have your own channel to showcase multiple videos. 

And you have the freedom to produce videos up to an hour in length. Just think of the ways you can reach your audience with this additional time. Your followers can check out your channel in the Instagram app or in a stand-alone app meant just for viewing videos. 

2. Shopping on Instagram

The ability to shop directly from the app is a total game changer in the world of retail. It’s also a boon for influencers who work with brands. Users just tap on the product they want to buy, and they’re shown the price. They can then complete the transaction should they choose. Anyone with a business account can now create these shoppable posts. 

You can add up to five products in a regular post or nine in a carousel to showcase. This is such a great way to get your product in the hands of your Instagram followers with just a click. 

3. Cross-Promoting Content in Instagram Stories and Posts

In 2018, there are all sorts of creative uses when it comes to driving traffic from one Instagram feature to another. You can now cross-promote your content or that of someone else from Instagram Stories to a particular post or vice versa. With the new feature called re-share, you simply have to drop a post into your Instagram Stories. 

Then users can tap on it to be sent to that post. In the past, you could only add screenshots of posts. This is a great feature for sharing content such as highlighting a fan’s use of your product or reminding your followers to check out the contest you’re currently running. Another option is to cross-promote Instagram Stories content in a single post. This is great for creating a teaser or preview of your story. 

4. Instagram Stories Shoutouts

There’s an emerging trend that has the potential to boost engagement, but some find it rather controversial. It involves sending a shoutout to specific accounts and encouraging your followers to check them out. Lots of folks enjoy the recognition, and it can be a fun way for people to discover new products or personalities to follow. 

However, be aware that some may see it as a bit spammy, so use it sparingly. You’ll see this often in the form of “Follow Friday” in which individuals do a story featuring a roundup of their favorite accounts. 

5. Collaborations with Influencers

Have you heard of micro-influencers? These are online celebrities with a lot of Instagram followers. Collaborating with them can give you a big boost and be a lot of fun for your followers. Essentially, you let the influencer do a “take-over” of your account for a day. You have the opportunity to be really creative with this. 

The influencer can show off the ways in which they use your product. They might take viewers on a virtual tour of your business in an Instagram Live broadcast or add their own special touch to your Instagram Stories. This take-over offers you the possibility of gaining many new followers and potential customers.

6. Vintage Filters and Templates

They say everything old is new again, and it seems that a retro vibe for your Instagram images is back in a big way. You can achieve an old-timey look through the use of various filters, templates, and apps. 

It’s a chance to create your own old-timey aesthetic and show a unique side to your brand’s personality. Add Polaroid borders, light flares, colored filters, dated timestamps and more to your images. You can even make videos that mimic the feel of your favorite old movies. 

7. FAQs in Stories

As you gain popularity, your followers will begin asking questions. A good practice is to take time to address the frequently asked questions in your Instagram Stories or even by adding them to your Instagram Stories Highlights so that those interested can just click on your FAQs to discover relevant information. 

8. Instagram Stories with GIFs

GIFs have become all the rage on other platforms and across the internet. Instagram now offers this capability in their stories. They’ve partnered with GIPHY to give users a whole library of GIFs to choose from when creating Instagram Stories. You can go nuts with it and add some action to your stories in lots of creative, personalized ways. 

These are some of the most popular Instagram trends that dominated 2018. Try incorporating some of them into your posts, stories and live broadcasts to keep your followers engaged and growing. Not all may be a good fit for your brand, so take time to test them out and use the ones that are the most well-received by your fans. Have fun with it.