In today’s constantly evolving digital landscape, social media has become essential for businesses looking to reach a wider audience and increase their profits. Among the various social media platforms, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular and influential platforms, with over 2.4 billion monthly active users. Its visually appealing and engaging content has become a go-to platform for brands to promote their products and services.

However, with the rapidly changing nature of social media, businesses must stay updated and adapt to the latest trends to stand out and stay relevant. This is where Instagram trends come into play. By utilizing these trends, businesses can increase their brand visibility and reach, drive sales, and boost their profits. In this article, we will explore 7+ Instagram trends that can help businesses achieve their ultimate goal of increasing profits.

The Power of Instagram for Business

In today’s digital age, social media has become crucial for businesses to reach and engage with their target audience. And on social media platforms, Instagram stands out as a powerful and effective platform for brand promotion. With over 2.4 billion monthly active users, Instagram allows businesses to showcase their products or services to a broad and engaged audience.

One of the key reasons why Instagram is so popular among businesses is its visual nature. As humans, we are naturally drawn to visual content, and Instagram allows businesses to take advantage of this by showcasing their products or services in a visually appealing way. This helps grab potential customers’ attention and allows businesses to build a strong brand presence on the platform.

But with so many businesses on Instagram, it can be challenging to stand out and make an impact. That’s where staying updated on current Instagram trends becomes crucial. By utilizing the latest trends and features, businesses can stay relevant and attract more followers, ultimately increasing brand profits.

1: Influencer Marketing

The rise of social media has opened up new opportunities for businesses to reach their target audience and promote their brand. And one platform that has been taking the marketing world by storm is Instagram. With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram has become a powerful tool for businesses to connect with customers and increase brand awareness. However, with the ever-changing social media landscape, businesses must stay updated and utilize the latest trends to stand out. One such trend that has shown great potential for businesses on Instagram is influencer marketing.

The Popularity and Effectiveness of Influencer Marketing on Instagram

Influencer marketing has become a popular form of advertising on Instagram, with businesses leveraging the power of influencers to promote their products or services. With the rise of ad-blocking software and the increasing skepticism towards traditional advertising, influencer marketing provides a more organic and authentic way for businesses to reach their target audience. By partnering with influencers with a large following of engaged and loyal followers, businesses can tap into their influence and credibility to promote their brand.

Tips for Finding the Right Influencers for Your Brand

Regarding influencer marketing, finding the right influencers who align with your brand’s values and target audience is crucial. This can be done by conducting thorough research and analyzing the influencer’s content and engagement rates. Look for influencers with a genuine interest in your industry and enthusiasm for your brand. It’s also important to consider the influencer’s reach and engagement metrics and their past collaborations to ensure their content resonates with your brand’s message.

Creating Successful Partnerships with Influencers

To make the most out of your influencer marketing strategy, it’s essential to establish a successful partnership with the influencers you choose to work with. This involves clear communication and setting expectations from the beginning. Collaborate with the influencer to create unique and creative content that aligns with your brand and the influencer’s style. It’s also essential to provide the influencer with all the necessary information and resources to promote your brand effectively. By working closely with the influencer, you can ensure that the content created is authentic and effective in promoting your brand.

The Potential Impact on Brand Awareness and Sales

By leveraging the influence and reach of popular Instagram influencers, businesses have the potential to increase brand awareness and ultimately drive sales. With the rise of influencer marketing, customers have become more receptive to brand promotions on social media, especially when it comes from a trusted influencer. By partnering with influencers with strong relationships with their followers, businesses can tap into a new audience and increase brand awareness and credibility. This, in turn, can lead to increased sales and conversions for the brand.

Influencer marketing has become integral to the Instagram marketing strategy for businesses looking to increase brand profits. Businesses can effectively promote their brand and reach a broader audience on Instagram by finding the right influencers, creating successful partnerships, and leveraging their influence. With the potential for increased brand awareness and sales, influencer marketing is a trend that businesses should consider incorporating into their Instagram marketing strategy.

2: User-Generated Content

In today’s digital age, consumers are bombarded with advertisements and marketing messages everywhere. As a result, they have become more skeptical and selective about the brands they choose to engage with. This is where user-generated content (UGC) becomes a powerful tool for businesses to build trust and credibility with their target audience.

Now, let’s define user-generated content precisely. It describes any kind of material produced and disseminated by customers regarding a brand, including images, videos, reviews, and testimonials. Since the brand is not behind this content, it is more real and relatable to other customers.

The value of user-generated content lies in its ability to showcase real experiences and opinions of actual customers rather than a brand’s marketing messages. According to a study by Ipsos, 85% of users find visual UGC more influential than brand-curated photos or videos. UGC is seen as more authentic and trustworthy, making it a valuable asset for businesses looking to increase their brand profits.So, how can businesses encourage and leverage user-generated content for their marketing strategy? Here are a few tips to get started:

1. Create a Branded Hashtag:

A branded hashtag allows businesses to track and collect user-generated content related to their brand. It also makes it easier for customers to find and contribute to the brand’s UGC. For example, Starbucks has successfully used the hashtag #RedCupContest to encourage customers to share photos of their holiday-themed red cups.

2. Run Contests and Challenges:

One of the best ways to encourage users to produce and distribute UGC is through contests and challenges. For example, the cosmetic company Sephora started the #SephoraSquad challenge, asking users to post their beauty-related content so it may be shared on the company’s social media pages.

3. Share Customer Reviews and Testimonials:

Sharing positive reviews and testimonials from happy customers provides social proof and encourages others to share their experiences with the brand. Businesses can feature these reviews on their website, social media, or even on product packaging to showcase the loyalty and satisfaction of their customers.

4. Repost User-Generated Content:

Reposting UGC not only shows appreciation for your customers but also helps in promoting your brand. However, it is essential to always ask for permission and give credit to the original creator when reposting content.

5. Utilize Instagram Stories’ Features:

Instagram Stories have various features such as polls, quizzes, and question boxes that can encourage followers to interact and contribute with user-generated content. This increases engagement and provides valuable insights for businesses to understand their audience better.

User-generated content is a powerful tool for businesses to increase brand profits by building trust and credibility with their target audience. By actively encouraging and leveraging UGC, businesses can create a more authentic and relatable brand image, leading to increased customer engagement, loyalty, and profitability. So, start utilizing UGC in your marketing strategy and see its positive impact on your brand’s profits.

3: Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories have become essential for businesses to increase their brand visibility and reach a wider audience. With over 500 million users posting stories every day, it is clear that this feature has become a crucial part of the Instagram experience.

The temporary nature of Instagram Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, makes it a perfect platform for businesses to showcase their products and services more casually and authentically. 62% of users say they have become more interested in a brand or product after seeing it in Instagram Stories. This makes it a powerful tool for increasing brand awareness and profits.

Here are some tips for using Instagram Stories to boost your brand profits:

1. Create Engaging and Interactive Stories: 

With the short attention span of social media users, capturing their attention within the first few seconds of your story is essential. Use visually appealing images or videos, add text or emojis, and create polls or quizzes to make your story more interactive and engaging. This will attract more viewers and increase the chances of them taking action such as visiting your profile or making a purchase.

2. Utilize Features Such as Hashtags and Location Tags: 

Hashtags and location tags are not just for regular posts; they can also be used in Instagram Stories to reach a larger audience. Using relevant hashtags, your story can appear in the Explore section for users who do not follow your account. Location tags also work the same way, making your story visible to users searching for content in a specific location. This can attract potential customers who may not have found your brand otherwise.

3. Collaborate with Influencers for Story Takeovers: 

Collaborating with influencers for Instagram Story takeovers is a great way to tap into a new audience and raise your followers count on Instagram. It also adds a fresh perspective to your brand and makes your story more interesting. Choose influencers who align with your brand values and have a similar target audience for maximum impact.

4. Use Swipe-Up Feature for Product Promotion:

 The swipe-up feature in Instagram Stories is a game-changer for businesses looking to promote their products or services. With this feature, users can swipe up on your story to be directed to a specific link, such as your website or a product page. Use this feature strategically and provide a clear call-to-action to encourage users to swipe up and make a purchase.

In addition to these tips, businesses can use Instagram Stories to give behind-the-scenes glimpses, promote events or sales, and share user-generated content. The possibilities are endless for utilizing Instagram Stories to increase brand profits.

The potential for driving traffic and sales through Instagram Stories must be addressed. 1 in 5 Instagram Stories results in a direct message from viewers to the business. This shows the power of this feature in creating a direct line of communication with potential customers.

By consistently posting engaging and relevant stories, businesses can increase their brand visibility, attract new customers, and ultimately, boost their profits. So take advantage of the opportunity to utilize Instagram Stories in your marketing strategy and see its positive impact on your brand’s bottom line.

4: Shoppable Posts

Recently, e-commerce has increased, and Instagram has quickly emerged as a preferred platform for businesses to showcase and sell their goods. With more than 1 billion month to month dynamic clients and an exceptionally drawn in crowd, Instagram offers an immense potential for organizations to build their image benefits. Perhaps the best method for doing through shoppable posts is as well. Businesses can tag their products in shoppable posts, making it simple for users to buy directly from the app. 

This wipes out the requirement for clients to leave the application and visit a different site to make a purchase, lessening their possibilities of leaving their truck. As indicated by Instagram, 130 million clients tap on shopping posts consistently, showing the enormous potential for organizations to drive deals through these posts. Anyway, how might organizations enhance their shoppable posts for improved results? Here are a few hints:

1. Optimize product tags: 

When tagging products in a post, it’s essential to include all the necessary details such as product name, price, and a call-to-action to “Shop Now.” This makes it easy for users to understand what is being offered and encourages them to purchase.

2. Use high-quality images: 

As with any visual platform, the quality of your images plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining audience attention. Use clear, well-lit images that showcase your products in the best possible way.

3. Utilize product stickers in Stories:

 Instagram Stories have become famous for engaging businesses with their audience. Product stickers allow businesses to tag products in their Stories, making it easy for customers to purchase without leaving the app. Use creative and eye-catching stickers to stand out and entice users to purchase.

4. Take advantage of product collections: 

Instagram has recently introduced a feature called “Collections” that allows businesses to group related products. This makes it easier for users to browse and purchase multiple products simultaneously, increasing the chances of a larger sale.

5. Promote your shoppable posts: 

As with any content on Instagram, it’s essential to promote your shoppable posts to reach a wider audience. Utilize hashtags, location tags, and relevant influencers to increase the visibility of your posts and drive more sales. Shoppable posts not only make it convenient for customers to purchase products, but they also provide valuable insights for businesses. Instagram provides analytics for shoppable posts, allowing businesses to track their performance and make necessary adjustments to optimize their posts for better results. 

Shoppable posts offer a seamless and convenient shopping experience for Instagram users and provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to increase their brand profits. By following these tips and staying updated on Instagram’s latest features and updates, businesses can take advantage of this trend and drive more sales through their shoppable posts.

5: Video Content

With the rise of visual content on social media, video content has become a crucial component of any successful marketing strategy. This is especially true for Instagram, where the use of videos has increased exponentially over the years. Videos on Instagram receive 38% more engagement than images, making it a powerful tool for businesses to increase their brand visibility and profits.

To make the most out of video content on Instagram, businesses need to understand the platform’s unique features and audience preferences. Here are some tips to help you create compelling video content for your brand on Instagram:

1. Keep It Short and Sweet:

With Instagram’s short attention span, keeping your videos short and to the point is essential. The ideal video length for Instagram is 15-30 seconds, so focus on one key message and use engaging visuals to grab viewers’ attention. You can also use Instagram’s “Reels” feature, which allows you to create 15-second multi-clip videos, perfect for quick and creative content.

2. Focus on Quality:

Quality is critical when it comes to video content on Instagram. With the platform’s highly visual nature, poor-quality videos can reflect poorly on your brand and decrease viewer engagement. Invest in good equipment, such as a high-quality camera or smartphone, and use editing tools to enhance your videos’ overall look and feel.

3. Utilize Captions and Subtitles:

Many Instagram users watch videos without sound, so it’s essential to ensure your video can still deliver its message through captions and subtitles. This also makes your content more accessible to those with hearing impairments, increasing the inclusivity of your brand.

4. Experiment with Different Types of Videos:

You can use various types of videos on Instagram, such as behind-the-scenes, product demos, tutorials, and more. Experimenting with different types is important to see what resonates with your audience and drives the most engagement. You can also use features like Boomerang and Hyperlapse to add a fun and creative touch to your videos.

5. Use Hashtags and Location Tags:

Similar to images, videos on Instagram also benefit from using hashtags and location tags. Your videos can reach a wider audience and increase the chances of appearing on the “Explore” page through snaphappen.com. Research relevant and popular hashtags and include them in your video’s caption for maximum visibility.

Video content is a powerful tool for businesses to increase their brand presence and profits on Instagram. By following these tips and staying updated on the latest video trends, you can create successful and engaging videos that resonate with your audience and drive results for your brand. So, don’t hesitate to incorporate videos into your Instagram marketing strategy and watch your brand’s profits soar.

6: Instagram Live

Instagram Live has quickly become one of the most popular features on the platform, allowing businesses to connect with their audience in real time. With the rise of remote work and virtual events, Instagram Live has become an essential tool for businesses looking to engage with their followers and potential customers. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of using Instagram Live and provide tips on how businesses can maximize this trend to increase their brand profits.

1. Benefits of Instagram Live:

There are several benefits of using Instagram Live for businesses:

1. It allows for real-time engagement with followers, allowing businesses to connect with their audience more personally and authentically. This can help build a strong community and increase brand loyalty.
2. Instagram Live sessions can also be saved and shared as IGTV videos, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience after the live session ends.
3. Instagram Live provides a sense of urgency, as followers know they only have a limited time to catch the live session, making it more likely for them to tune in.

2. Tips for creating successful Instagram Live sessions:

To make the most out of Instagram Live for your business, here are some tips to keep in mind:

– Plan ahead: Having a clear purpose and topic for your Instagram Live session is important. Plan out what you want to talk about and prepare any necessary visuals or props. This will help make your session more organized and engaging for your audience.

– Promote your session: Use your other social media channels and email list to promote your upcoming Instagram Live session. This will help generate buzz and attract more viewers.

– Interact with your audience: One of the main benefits of Instagram Live is the ability to interact with your audience in real time. Respond to comments and questions, and even call out specific viewers to make them feel included and valued.

– Collaborate with other brands or influencers: Partnering with other businesses or influencers for your Instagram Live session can help expand your reach and attract new followers. It also adds a sense of credibility and authority to your session.

3. Potential for building a solid community and increasing brand loyalty:

As mentioned earlier, Instagram Live is a great way to build a strong community and increase brand loyalty. Engaging with your followers in real time and creating meaningful connections can foster a sense of loyalty and trust toward your brand. Furthermore, using Instagram Live for product launches or exclusive behind-the-scenes content can make your audience feel part of something special, further strengthening their loyalty towards your brand.

Instagram Live is a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audience and increase brand profits. By planning, promoting your sessions, and engaging with your audience, you can make the most of this trend and build a solid and loyal community for your brand. Feel free to experiment with different types of content and collaborations to find what works best for your audience and boost your Instagram reels video visibility. Stay updated on the latest Instagram Live trends and continuously engage with your followers to maintain their interest and loyalty towards your brand.

7: Augmented Reality Filters

Augmented reality (AR) filters have become a popular trend on Instagram, offering a unique and interactive way for brands to engage with their audience. These filters use technology to superimpose digital elements onto a user’s live camera feed, creating an immersive and fun experience. With the ability to align with a brand’s image and messaging, AR filters have proven to be an effective tool for brand promotion on Instagram.

Creating unique and interactive AR filters can be a game-changer for businesses. By implementing these filters, brands can attract the attention of their target audience and make their posts stand out from the competition. According to a study by Facebook, AR filters on Instagram have led to a 20% increase in people sharing photos and videos with a brand’s filter on. This shows the potential for increased brand awareness and engagement through AR filters.

One of the key benefits of using AR filters on Instagram is the ability to align them with a brand’s image and message. By creating filters that reflect the brand’s aesthetic and values, businesses can strengthen their brand identity and connect with their audience on a deeper level. This can also play a significant role in building brand loyalty as customers are likelier to engage with a brand with a solid and consistent image.

Creating successful AR filters requires a combination of creativity and technical skills. Businesses can hire a professional AR filter creator or use free tools like Spark AR Studio to create their filters. It is essential to keep in mind the audience’s preferences and interests and create filters that are relevant and appealing to them. Additionally, businesses can collaborate with influencers or other brands to create unique and engaging filters, which can help reach a wider audience.

AR filters can also be used to promote products or services. For instance, a beauty brand can create a filter that showcases their makeup products on a user’s face, allowing them to try out different looks virtually. This can be an effective way to showcase products and encourage users to purchase.

Moreover, AR filters can also be used for market research. Businesses can gather valuable insights from their audience by creating polls or quizzes within the filter. This can help understand their preferences, behaviors, and opinions, which can be used to improve products or services.

Conclusion

Social media has become a crucial aspect of business marketing strategies in this digital age. And when it comes to social media, Instagram is undeniably one of the most powerful platforms for businesses to reach a wider audience and increase brand profits. As explored in this article, the key to success on Instagram lies in staying updated and utilizing the latest trends to stand out and excel. We have discussed 7+ Instagram trends that have shown great potential in boosting brand profits and have the power to take your business to the next level.

From influencer marketing to augmented reality filters, each trend has unique benefits and can contribute to the overall success of a brand on Instagram. We started by highlighting the importance of staying updated on current social media trends, and this article aims to explore 7+ trends that can help increase brand profits. Moving on, we delved into the power of Instagram for businesses and its potential to reach a broad audience and build a strong brand presence. But what sets successful brands apart is their ability to utilize trends to their advantage.

Author bio

Jimena Maren is a content developer and marketing manager who works at Snaphappen.com. She has written more trending articles on social media and has a handful of experience in delivering engaging content.