Author
Marilyn Cowley
If you have been on the internet this past week, you more than likely saw that the Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, announced that Instagram is “no longer a photo-sharing app.” How is this going to affect content creators and business owners?
Mosseri addressed further updates to Instagram that include a larger focus on creators, video, shopping and messaging… an app that was once known for its filters and focus on photo sharing. This change comes quickly after the overnight success of TikTok, known for its tailored, one-of-a-kind video sharing platform. Shortly after TikTok sky-rocketed, Instagram launched its rival video feature, Reels.
Instagram will be continuing to grow its messaging and shopping capabilities within the app. In recent years, Instagram has rolled out drastic changes to the app’s algorithm and purposes, such as the shop tab or the option to remove like counts. These rapid, unpredictable changes will undoubtedly affect content creators and business owners, raising the question—how can we keep up with apps that are seemingly all in competition with one another?
Both Instagram and TikTok utilize lo-fi style videos, meaning a DIY feel. This low production style may be easier to manage for both content creators and business owners; especially in comparison to IGTV, which is typically reserved for high-quality videos. Both TikTok and Instagram Reels are easily filmed with the average smartphone and edited within each app. Although it may take adjusting, lo-fi style video has proved to be more cost-effective than professionally shot and edited videos.
Like Instagram is doing, smaller content creators and businesses must continue to adapt. Instagram is known for its elusive algorithm, so we can expect videos to become favored over photos. Instagram users will need to begin focusing on creating video content if they want to keep their audience not only engaged, but keep their content visible.
