Simply Social Newsletter

Instagram Provides Clear Guidance on Single Word CTAs and Longer Reels

After a recently deleted video on the @creators Instagram page due to unclear advice, the platform is advising against attempting to artificially boost engagement on social media by explicitly asking followers to perform specific actions, such as sharing, commenting, tagging, or using certain words, numbers, or emojis.?

If Instagram detects that your content is solely designed to manipulate engagement in this way, the algorithm will not promote or recommend your posts. The platform prioritises authentic interaction and will penalise content that seeks to game the system for increased visibility.

What does this mean for my brand?

• The main focus is currently on creating genuine and engaging content.
• Avoid explicitly asking followers to share, comment, tag or use specific words, numbers, or emojis.
• Ensure your content naturally encourages authentic? interaction through quality and relevance.
• Posts designed to manipulate engagement will not be promoted or recommended.

Instagram Experiments with Text Overlays and Image Formatting in Carousel Posts

Instagram is experimenting with new features for Carousel posts, allowing creators to add text overlays on individual images and reformat images within the display.

Text Overlays:

• Some users can now add text directly to images in a carousel.
• This feature lets you overlay captions on carousel images, providing more presentation options, especially for content like explainers and how-tos.

Image Formatting:

• You can now select different presentation formats for images in a carousel set.
• Three format options are available:
• Once resized, the images will maintain their chosen format within the carousel, offering more ways to showcase various image types.

Brands can take advantage of the text overlay feature providing how-tos, FAQs and much more to their audience, editing in-app and not having to have previously prepared graphics unless a specific font is required.

Virtual Influencers: Explained

What are virtual influencers, and how do they work? Virtual influencers, also known as CGI influencers, are computer-generated characters designed to look and act like real humans. They have realistic features, personalities, and characteristics, making them a growing force in the influencer marketing industry.?

How do they work?

Creators: Behind each virtual influencer are skilled creators—brands or individuals with advanced technology expertise. These creators remain anonymous while they build and manage the influencers' Instagram profiles.

Character Design: Creators determine the appearance, fashion, behaviour, social interactions, and collaborations of these virtual influencers. They have complete control over the influencers' image and activities.

Monetisation: The creators benefit financially from the brand deals their virtual influencers secure.

Versatile Backdrops: Creators can place their influencers in any setting by using high-resolution images. For example, a travel-loving virtual influencer can be depicted in various exotic locations simply by editing them into different backdrop images.

What does this mean for my brand?

• Innovative Marketing: Using virtual influencers can position your brand as forward-thinking and tech-savvy, appealing to a modern and digitally-engaged audience.
• Creative Control: You have complete control over the influencer's appearance, personality, and behaviour, ensuring they align perfectly with your brand's image and values.
• Cost Efficiency: Virtual influencers can be more cost-effective in the long run, as they don’t require travel, accommodation, or physical products.
• Consistency: Virtual influencers can maintain a consistent look and personality without the variability that human influencers might introduce.
• 24/7 Availability: Virtual influencers are always available for campaigns and promotions, without concerns about availability, time zones, or personal issues.
• Novelty Factor: The novelty of virtual influencers can attract attention and generate buzz, potentially leading to higher engagement and media coverage.

Instagram Testing Non-Skippable Ads

Instagram is trial running a new feature called “ad break”. This new feature will prevent users from skipping or scrolling past ads, which appear on their stories or feed. Users will now have to wait for a timer which counts down before the user can continue scrolling, or skipping through stories. For users, this isn’t great news. However, for brands this brings luck, as it creates a new way of promoting products and services through Instagram. For your brand, this means:

• Further brand exposure
• Ensures users watch your ads: as users cannot skip through these ads, this gives reassurance that your ads are seen
• Creates increased brand awareness: users will gain more information about your brand, with new, longer watch-times

Short Instagram Reels are What’s Working Best for Brands

Posting shorter reels is what’s working best for brands. Currently, the maximum posting length for Reels is 90 seconds. Instagram is currently working on updates to allow for three minute and ten minute long Reels. However, longer Instagram videos show to be performing less than shorter, 30-second reels, for example. Along with this, posting when your audience is online, uploading with high resolution, and filming in app has shown increased performance in published Reels.

What does this mean for my brand?

• Keep your Reels short to increase engagement
• You should take note of in-app analytics to find out what days and times your target audience is most active!
• Never post bad quality content, or use content with watermarks - this will decrease your Reel’s performance