Instagram Update: Reel Inspiration (August, 2024)
Key Takeaways
- Instagram released a new feature called 'Inspiration'
- Inspiration looks at yours and your follower's recently interacted with reels, similar to TikTok
- Stay trendy on reel ideas, trending audios, and new accounts to follow
- This is a game changer for Instagram reel creators
Instagram's New Update
Are you an Instagram content creator in need of fresh ideas? We understand the struggle.
It's common to hit a creative block when trying to keep up with the ever-changing trends and audio features on social media. That's where Instagram's latest update comes to the rescue.
Instagram commented on their new update, "We’re making it easier for you to find that spark of inspiration in a creator-focused destination that features customized recommendations you can only find on Instagram."
This groundbreaking update on Instagram introduces tools similar to TikTok's Creative Center, enabling users to explore what resonates with their followers and stays on top of trends.
This new update addition could be the key to your content going viral.
How's it work exactly? Demo video:
How to find your Instagram Inspiration
Via your Instagram profile page, select the Professional dashboard underneath your bio and scroll down to the tools section. Then, select Inspiration. (Sometimes it is hidden under tips and resources, based on your account type!)
The professional dashboard provides a bunch of tools, making it essential for creators seeking inspiration. If you haven't checked it out yet, we strongly suggest taking a look!
Navigate your inspiration
In the new inspiration section, there's three options to look for new video ideas, reels, audios, and accounts.
These sections refresh every single time to you click on 'Inspiration', so the ideas are never ending.
This feature is truly a game changer.
Reels
If you're seeking inspiration for the latest trends in Instagram Reels, look no further. This section is curated by Instagram based on your data and your followers' preferences. The Reels inspiration area is categorized into 'Popular with your followers' and 'Suggested for you'. By analyzing the videos that your followers engage with the most, you can gain valuable insights into what they enjoy seeing from you.
Additionally, the 'Suggested for you' section is tailored to your own content and interactions, similar to the Reels explore page, focusing solely on videos that you have engaged with.
Audio
Another analytic Instagram has taken note of from TikTok is the audio section. Audio selection is huge in terms of going viral. Using a viral sound not only adds recognition for the user, but the algorithm will actually push the video to users who have interacted with other videos with the same sound - so choosing a good audio for your video is essential.
This section is split into 'trending' songs and songs that are 'popular with your followers'.
If you look at the trending section, you can see 'There She Go' by Latto only has 2,642 reels made with it, but that's because Instagram is viewing it as an upcoming trending song to use. This tool can also be an essential key to jumping on trending video ideas or trending songs before they go mega viral.
Accounts
Instagram's innovative 'Inspiration' feature doesn't just stop at reels and audio suggestions. It also includes a section dedicated to recommending accounts for you to follow. Similar to the 'Suggested for you' tab in your following list, this feature analyzes your past interactions and suggests accounts based on your interests. It even takes into consideration who your followers are following, presenting you with recommendations like those with '1 mutual follower'.
Stay connected and discover new accounts that align with your online persona through this personalized recommendation tool.
Stay Inspired, Stay Trendy
In order to boost your social media engagement, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest trends and deliver what users are looking for. While some may argue that replicating content lacks originality, there are numerous advantages to analyzing content with the purpose of reinterpreting it.
Proven Strategies
If a particular method or trend is showing positive outcomes for others, it suggests that it resonates well with audiences. Adopting these strategies enables you to leverage what has already been proven successful.
Staying Current
With social media trends evolving swiftly, staying current by observing and adopting what others are doing allows you to remain abreast of the latest trends and keep your content fresh and engaging.
Learning and Inspiration
By delving into the content crafted by other creators, you can uncover cutting-edge techniques, find inspiration from various styles, and enhance your creative skills.
Avoiding Mistakes
Analyzing both successful and unsuccessful strategies of others can help you avoid common pitfalls and enhance your own content strategy for optimal effectiveness.
Building on Success
You can draw inspiration from a successful idea created by someone else and put your own unique spin on it. This method not only helps you avoid simply copying but also encourages innovation, potentially elevating the original concept.
Finding a balance between drawing inspiration from others and infusing your own unique perspective and voice is key. While learning from fellow creators is valuable, it's your individuality that will set you apart from the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use Instagram Inspiration?
By accessing the 'Inspiration' feature in your Professional Dashboard menu, you'll discover personalized ideas based on your preferences and what resonates with your followers. Explore popular reels among your audience and save trending songs and audio clips for your upcoming content creations.
How do you get to the professional dashboard on Instagram?
To unlock this feature, you must have a professional account (creator or business). Head to your Instagram profile and click on "View professional dashboard" at the top to access a wealth of tools. Here, you can track your performance and gain valuable insights into your audience over the past 30 days.
How do I turn on professional mode on Instagram?
Navigate to your profile and tap on the top right corner. Click on Settings and privacy, then select Account type and tools to switch to a professional account. Choose the category that aligns best with your business, and then opt for the Business option. Voilà, you now have an Instagram business account set up and ready to go.