This post is not going to be a critique of the new Instagram layout as there have been PLENTY of that here and here for example. We’re simply going to get you up to speed with the latest update, here we go…
To get to your Profile page (your own feed), click your avatar in the bottom right corner (double-tap to switch between your other profiles), you’ll see this screen:
To post a Post from here, simply click the ‘+’ icon top right and you will get these options:
Tap the home icon bottom left to go to your Homepage (to see posts from people you follow, to post from here you’ll need to tap the ‘+’ icon with a border around it, again top right, next to which you will also find your Activity or likes button in the shape of a heart (it’ll have a red dot if there’s something new for you to see).
The new rollout comes with an expanded array of in-app features such as collages for uploading Stories and posts, which you’ll find when you select Story from either your profile page or from the homepage (where you’ll have to scroll along the options along the bottom of the page), here you’ll find the options for Post, Story, Reels, and Live.
Live comes with a new set of built in filters featuring ‘handy’ options like how to turn your hair lilac, more useful arguably is the notification at the top of your Live telling you how many of your followers or subscribers are actively online so you know not to waste your time broadcasting if there’s no one around.
Two of the most divisive new features put Reels and Shop centre stage in the middle of the bottom menu where previously we knew where to find our post and likes button. In a nod to the success of TikTok and the rise of social shopping these two options stay put throughout your navigation unless you are creating a Post, Story, Reel or Live.
Reels can be either 15 or 30 seconds long and you can either select a pre-recorded video from your gallery or create one in situ, again with an array of sound, overlays and visual features to accompany your clips. If you want to record a longer video you’ll have to opt for a Live. You can share your Reel with Close Friends, add it to your Story or add it to your highlights in which case it will be around for a bit longer. If you select public it may appear on the Top Reels on the explore tab.
The Explore tab (spyglass icon) is found along the bottom nav and again stays put, so whilst you’re happily swiping Reels you can quickly search manually or select from a bunch of preselected categories such as Sports, DIY, Decor, Beauty etc.
So our whistlestop tour will get you up and publishing on Instagram in a jiffy, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the new layout and functionality after you’ve had a chance to play with all the new features.
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