Remember last year when it seemed like every few weeks Instagram was introducing a new feature?  Seems they are doing it again this summer!Okay let me get straight into the list:

1. Music Sticker

I have this feature on my personal account (1.3K followers), but not my business account (458 followers).  Why this is cool?  I don't have to use Apple Music and IG stories at the same time to record a video clip with music. You can add music to a video or photo by adding it as a sticker.  You can also change the layout of the sticker.  Pretty fun.Disclaimer: I have heard of people's content being blocked on Instagam whether they are a business or not from uploading a video with copyrighted music in the background.  When in doubt make it very clear the source of the music. I

2. Swipe Up

Instagram is now allowing members to swipe up and go directly to the link that the account holder is trying to promote.  This feature is only for certain accounts (10k+ followers), but hopefully they make this feature available to more bloggers and business owners in the future.This is cool, because Instagram does not let you add links directly in your captions/comments.  So if a customer or reader wants to learn more info you had to say "link in bio".  Swipe up is a better call to action.

3. IGTV - What is YouTube? lol

One of the many  reasons people love YouTube is because the videos can be 2 minutes or 2 hours long.  Instagram stories can be 15 seconds unless they are live chats.  An Instagram live doesn't have a time limit.  The only issue with Instagram live is that viewers may not catch the live within 24 hours of the broadcast for the replay and then poof it is gone. IGTV allows businesses and people to make pre-recorded video and keep it on their profiles for people to view whenever they want.The only issue is with the dimensions of the video needed for IGTV.  Vertical video isn't as pleasant as wide screen.  It will be interesting to see how this feature plays out in the next few months.  Will you be posting on IGTV?

4. Viewers can request to Live Chat with you

This has probably been available for a while now, but a viewer of your live can request to join your live.  Your audience can see up to 4 people chat about a topic at a time.  This would be great to use for webinars and live events.  To get different people's opinions at the same time is a good thing.

5. Highlights Customization

You've been able to share your favorite IG stories posts in highlights for a while now, but now you can really make them stand out with titles and covers.Don't you just love the cute covers people are putting on their highlights?  It's kind of like blog buttons.  They draw attention to what you want them to watch on your highlight reels.

6. Ask a Question Sticker

This week when you were viewing stories you couldn't help but notice that everyone was asking you to ask them a question. Did you ask anyone a question?  Did people ask you a question?I was pleasantly surprised by the question someone asked on my business Instagram.Q: What is the best way to engage with your audience on Instagram?My Answer: To engage with your audience give them a tip or ask them a question.On my personal Instagram people asked:

• If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
• What are your life goals?
• Could you ask me some questions?
• Do you still have a crush on me?

The asking is not anonymous!  When you ask a question the person that you ask will be able to see that it was you that asked.  When you share the response to a question that someone asked that information is not shared.Which feature is your favorite?Best,Erica

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