Just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in.

That’s right, Instagram is switching things up for content creators and social media influencers. What does that mean for you? And how can you use these new features to engage your audience in 2019? Read on for more details.

Create Mode

USA Today reports that one of Instagram’s newest features is something called ‘Create Mode’. This new feature is designed for your Instagram stories. Create Mode is essentially just a different camera mode. According to Later, Create Mode allows you to do a bunch of different things for your Instagram stories like Boomerang, Superzoom, and Rewind. Swiping right gives you access to those, while swiping left lets you add things like stickers, GIFs, and text.

Donation Stickers

Social media also has the power to give back and Instagram is joining the likes of Facebook in helping to make donating to non-profits more accessible. Donation Stickers are designed for Instagram Stories. How does it work? Once you take a photo with your Instagram Stories camera, you then tap the Donation Sticker button. After that you’ll search for the non-profit you’d like to feature and support. Click on that, add a fundraiser title, and you’re good to go.


Creator Profiles

You’re a content creator, so why not consider taking on the new Creator Profile. This is actually different from the Business Profile. You’ll still get things like analytics and insights, but this new type of profile also features the Instagram Creator Studio, which gives you more detailed information on analytics. And in a really exciting move for all you influencers out there, you’ll now be able to see data on your follows and un-follows. This will allow you to figure out what is – or isn’t – working when it comes to building your Instagram following. One big thing to note though is that Creator Profiles won’t allow you to schedule posts automatically, so definitely keep that in mind if you’re thinking about switching over.

Shop From Your Favorite Influencers

Influencers are called that for a reason, right? They inspire followers to try new trends and products. Now, Instagram is making that a whole lot easier. Influencers will be able to tag a specific product on their Instagram page, and their followers will be able to then click on that and buy the item without leaving the app. And let’s face it, in this busy day and age that’s a huge time saver. So, for you influencers out there, this can be a great new business and marketing incentive as well.

Making Your Own Instagram Filter

Spark AR is the program from Facebook that has allowed brands and designers to create their own unique filters for Instagram Stories. Well, now everyone can have a slice of the filter fun. According to Later, the benefits of this new feature means a great opportunity for online growth, since in order for someone to access your specific Instagram filter they would need to either follow you or visit your profile to access it.


Hiding The Number Of Likes

Now, this is only in test mode in Canada as of now. The idea behind it is to ease the burden of pressure people feel to get lots of ‘likes’ on their Instagram posts. While the platform is certainly fun and engaging, that pressure can be difficult too. Instead of focusing on ‘likes’, it can give social media users and influencers more incentive to connect with people first and foremost. Only time will tell if it’ll be a lasting change though.

Away Mode

You may soon be able to say “Bye, Felicia” when Instagram is doing more harm than good. Away Mode is one test feature designed to help combat the bullying epidemic that plagues social media. Basically, it gives you the chance to step away from the app during tough times (i.e. no notifications) without fully deleting your account. Another cool test feature to help stop bullying is something called ‘Nudge’. Essentially, it would urge a user about to post a negative comment not to do so. It wouldn’t be censorship, but more like a “Hmm. Maybe you should take a step back and think before you post that” type of thing.

What do you think of these new Instagram features? Let me us know at ARTRPRNR.com or on our Instagram at @ARTRPRNR.

We look forward to hearing from you!