Simply Social Newsletter

Instagram Updates the Reels Composer UI

Reels remain a focal point for Facebook and Instagram, contributing significantly to the growth of both platforms. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri revealed that Reels now constitute 50% of all time spent on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of short-form videos for engagement. To facilitate the creation of compelling Reels, Instagram has introduced three updates. These include new in-app editing options, allowing users to customize content directly in the upload flow. Additionally, the platform has incorporated buttons for easy access to relevant editing tools, as well as "Undo" and "Redo" buttons to streamline the editing process. These updates aim to enhance the user experience and enable more seamless in-stream editing.

What does this mean for my brand?

Instagram Reels updates offer your brand:

1. Increased Engagement: Emphasizing Reels and short-form videos allows your brand to create more engaging content, increasing visibility and interaction with your audience.
2. Customization and Creativity: Direct clip editing in the upload flow provides flexibility for experimenting with unique angles, helping your content stand out and resonate with your target audience.
3. Improved Editing: "Undo" and "Redo" buttons enhance the overall editing experience, enabling easy correction of mistakes for a smoother content creation process.

In summary, these updates provide an opportunity for your brand to enhance its presence on Instagram, create compelling content, and better connect with your audience through short-form videos.

Instagram is Experimenting with Features for Enclosed Group Sharing

Instagram is expanding its focus on private sharing with new updates currently in testing. Users in the test pool can now respond to inbox Notes with audio clips, photos, videos, GIFs, and stickers, offering more ways to engage in conversations with friends. Instagram is also experimenting with Events, allowing users to create in-stream chat groups for specific functions or gatherings, enhancing enclosed engagement. Additionally, Instagram is testing a Nearby feed for Stories, allowing users to view public Stories from local users and exploring an option to set Stories feed to updates only from mutual followers. These updates aim to cater to younger users and increase interaction within smaller groups.

What does this mean for my brand?

The latest Instagram updates, focusing on private sharing and enhanced engagement, offer brand opportunities:

1. Connect with Younger Demographics: Leverage Notes, popular among younger users, to connect and maintain relevance, preventing migration to competing platforms like TikTok.
2. Enclosed Engagement through Events: If Instagram's Events feature becomes widely available, use it to create in-stream chat groups for specific functions, fostering community and enhancing engagement.
3. Localized Story Engagement: Utilize the Nearby feed for Stories to engage with local users and businesses. Tailor content for increased relevance and connection.

In summary, these updates provide opportunities for your brand to enhance engagement, connect with specific demographics, and optimize content visibility within Instagram's evolving private sharing and interaction features.

Cool Campaigns of the Week!

KFC teases a Release for the Festive Season - or So You Think…

KFC, in partnership with agency Mother, has launched a playful video suggesting the release of 'Kentucky Fried Turkey' for the holidays, only to humorously announce that they are sticking with chicken. Responding to social media requests for a Christmas menu swap, KFC embraces a unique approach, proudly declaring themselves the first brand with an anti-user-generated-content (UGC) campaign. Kate Wall, KFC's Strategy and Innovation Director, expresses gratitude for fan input but emphasizes their commitment to "the poultry we know and love."

Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuOQhDdhJ0E

Heinz‘s unique campaign - ‘Run On Heinz’

Heinz is launching 'Run On Heinz,' a unique running experience featuring keystone-shaped routes in New York, San Francisco, and Toronto. Mapped using GIS software, runners can follow these routes to designated pit stops for a free Heinz ketchup packet, celebrating the journey with every step. Created by The Kitchen and the Kraft Heinz Brand Team, the campaign invites runners to sync with Strava and MapMyRun, sharing their experiences on Instagram with @Heinz.

Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGfkwWTllyo