5 Exciting Features to Try on Instagram in 2023

Spin Creative • March 11, 2023

Feel like your brand’s Instagram channel could be more engaging? 

Instagram icons

Trying some new features in 2023 can give your Instagram strategy a fresh feel while boosting your engagement rates.


Whether you want to get more likes, accumulate more followers or make more sales, freshening up your Instagram content can spark renewed interest in your brand. Here are five ideas to help you spice up your feed and delight your followers.


1.    Use Instagram Reels


Instagram is no longer just a photo sharing app—video is the new star of the show. Videos on Instagram have an average engagement rate of 1.5%, and while that doesn’t sound like a lot, it’s actually a high number. Video on Instagram often performs better than photos, and, luckily, it’s easy to turn your photos into a Reel—a video montage. You don’t even have to be a video expert to make Reels: some music and some carefully chosen clips can go a long way.


2.    Customize Story links


If you want to direct your Instagram followers to another page—like your online storefront—the easiest way to do it is to add a link to your Instagram Story. Using the design app of your choice, you can create a custom link sticker to add to your Instagram Story. You also have the option to edit the link within the Instagram app, changing the sticker text to suit your needs. 


3.    Create behind-the-scenes content


Customers love seeing behind-the-scenes moments from their favorite brands. Candid photos and videos are compelling content—they’re a great way to showcase your process and help followers see more of who you are and what your brand’s all about. By showing another side of your brand to your audience, you nurture a sense of trust that leads to repeat business.


4.    Host a contest


Who doesn’t love a good contest? Hosting a contest or giveaway on Instagram is a great way to thank your followers for their support, and you can often gain new ones in the process. As long as you abide by Instagram’s rules and guidelines, you can host giveaways for any reason, from holidays to celebrating a brand anniversary. Contests are great tools for building greater brand awareness, especially if you create content your followers love to share.


5.    Pin important posts


Instagram introduced a new feature in the spring of 2022. Now, brands can pin up to three important posts at the top of their feed. Instead of the traditional way, where the grid is ordered from newest to oldest post, using pins can help your followers see your most important posts first. Whether you want to provide your followers with important info (like when and where you’re holding a sale), or you want to pin a Reel that’s gone viral, pinning posts is a simple way to get eyes on your most important content. 


Capitalize on Instagram in 2023 and beyond


The most successful brands on Instagram know how to keep things fresh and engaging. Ready to take your Instagram strategy to the next level in 2023? Say hello to Spin Creative. As your branding partner, we’ll help you leverage social media platforms like Instagram to help you build brand awareness, make more sales and support all your goals in the new year and beyond.




About Us
Spin Creative is a video production company and creative agency helping marketers create winning video and creative strategies that engage, inspire and activate targeted audiences. Spin is headquartered in Seattle with offices in San Francisco and London, serving brands around the globe.


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