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Any major update to the social media interface usually meets resistance – cries of “bringing back the old Facebook” always ring out. But Instagram’s first major overhaul in 10 years is more than a simple UI design redesign – it shows Instagram’s renewed priorities around the world. And it’s a super bold (and dare we say, risky) step for the platform.
Instagram has brought two elements to the fore. These are “ Reels, ” the creator of short videos so far largely ignored by Instagram users (most of Reels’ content is stamped with the familiar TikTok stamp), and shopping. For a platform that started life as a place to share beautiful images (created with the best photo apps), things have changed a lot.
In order to push these two features, Instagram started testing different layouts in September so you can have a different version of the interface for now. But in the new version (which started rolling out yesterday), Instagram has relegated the full “ compose ” button (so far) to the top right of the screen. We assume that the thought behind this is “out of sight, out of mind” because the Reels button takes center stage at the bottom center of the menu bar.
We have to say it sounds a bit hopeless. Given that the Reels feature was created purely in response to the overwhelming success (and competition) of model TikTok, and that it hasn’t been a success so far on Instagram, we’re not sure what to push the user’s hands be the correct tactic. It might have been harder to find the Reels feature before, but we’re sure people would have gotten bored if they really wanted to use it.
Then there’s the new ‘Shop’ button, which allows users to search for brands and purchase products through the app. So far, monetized content and Instagram buys have crept in and developed somewhat organically – in many ways it feels peer-to-peer. While it constitutes a large part of daily Instagram use, it comes across as user-generated growth that will be successful as long as content creators have a willing following.
With the store function, Instagram is officially establishing itself as a third-party market. While the success of the influencer model and targeted ads on Instagram show that there is an appetite for in-app purchase, positioning yourself as a market so overtly is a bold step.
This could be a positive step for creatives who want to showcase their work and sell through the app, but only if Instagram keeps its user base with them throughout the changes.
And so far it’s safe to say people aren’t impressed:
This new IG update ? Every day Instagram literally thinks about more ways to make it LESS satisfying for the everyday user.November 12, 2020
The shopping button is a little extra kick for designers ?November 13, 2020
I agree with the rollers, but the boutique tab should NEVER be a thingNovember 12, 2020
“If we’re going to change how we navigate Instagram, that’s a big deal,” Vishal Shah, vice president of Instagram product, told CNN Business. “We don’t expect every Instagram user on day one to feel like these tabs are valuable to them … but we do believe they can be.”
And with the positioning of these tabs, Instagram clearly wants to put emphasis on them, meaning that users who don’t find them useful are likely to find less value in the platform itself as the content changes. in response.
We understand that Instagram needed to find a new direction (mainly due to the TikTok generation) and look forward to the response from more users. But we have to say we kinda miss the days we went there to look at some pretty pictures.
Not sure which social media house is right for you? Check out our guide to the best social media platforms for artists and designers, and you can follow us on Instagram @creativebloqofficial.
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