Instagram, the popular social media platform, has unveiled new features aimed at enhancing user engagement and creativity. These additions include the ability to add licensed music to photo carousels, collaborate with multiple co-authors, and invite audience participation through response prompts on Reels.
In collaboration with pop star Olivia Rodrigo to promote her latest single “bad idea right?”, Instagram has introduced the musical photo carousel feature. Users can now select licensed music to accompany their photo slideshows, adding an element of mood and atmosphere to their posts. This feature mirrors TikTok’s Photo Mode, which was launched last year, allowing users to add music to their visual content.
In addition to the musical carousels, Instagram’s Collabs feature has been enhanced. Users can now invite up to three co-authors to collaborate on creating feed posts, carousels, or Reels. Each co-author’s audience will be able to view the collaborative content, potentially facilitating cross-promotion and expanding the reach of influencers. The collaborative content will be featured on each contributor’s profile grid, encouraging a sense of community and shared creativity.
The platform’s Add Yours sticker has also received an update. Creators can now prompt their followers to contribute content in response to a challenge or prompt in Reels. Once followers contribute their content, the creator can highlight their favorite submissions, showcasing the creativity of their audience. This feature taps into the desire for connection and engagement with influential figures, fostering a more interactive and engaging experience for both creators and followers.
Furthermore, Instagram has announced plans to expand its music library to more countries in the coming weeks. While specific nations and dates have not been disclosed, Instagram’s partnership with Spotify in Mexico and Brazil will showcase the 50 most popular songs on Instagram Reels through the music platform’s Reels Music Chart.
These updates mark Instagram’s continued efforts to stay innovative and respond to user demands. The integration of music into photo carousels, collaborative content creation, and interactive response prompts aims to offer users a richer and more engaging social media experience. As the platform continues to evolve, it seeks to provide tools that empower users to express their creativity, connect with others, and discover new ways to engage with content.
