Updated in April 2021.

We already know that social media platforms like Instagram can be great for your business, whether you are trying to be an individual influencer or growing your brand.

However, it’s important to keep up with the latest Instagram trends to take full advantage of this platform’s benefits.

We want to talk to you about the top 10 Instagram trends and predictions that you should be watching in 2021.

Top Instagram Trends and Predictions

While some Instagram trends seem to last forever, some trends tend to come and go. Here, we will take a look at the trends and predictions that you need to watch in 2021.

1. Content Matters

Content is one trend that seems to be consistent across every social media platform if you want to be successful. The type of content is the only thing that changes.

Content has always been important because it’s not putting something out there; it’s about what you put out.

So, what type of content is the most effective right now? Think authenticity.

Instead of spending a lot of time focusing on creating highly produced content, focus more on authentic and unfiltered content. That’s the current trend in content.

The content still needs to be high-quality and eye-catching. Still, genuine and authentic content has become more engaging for customers—candid shots, especially with more professional-looking shots, can be the perfect compromise here.

2. Instagram Stories

Instagram stories have become so popular that sites like Facebook have also started their own “Stories.” Brands use Instagram stories to help promote themselves in a highly effective and engaging manner.

How do you make the most of Instagram stories? The best strategy is to use every function that this option has to offer.

The great features of Instagram stories include:

• Polls
• Stickers
• Sliders
• Emoji
• “Swipe Up” features

These are ways that you can encourage your fans and potential customers to engage with your brand. For instance, say you are considering new products. Maybe create a poll to get some insight directly from your customers.

The Instagram story trend is only growing more popular as influencers realize how effective it can be for them. That’s why this should be an approach that you use for your marketing needs.

3. Hashtags

As far as Instagram trends go, hashtags have been especially popular in recent years. This won’t be changing in 2021.

If you use hashtags that are currently trending, you will automatically attract attention to your posts. This gives you a massive boost to your visibility for as long as that hashtag is trending.

There are also niche-specific tags that work for your specific industry. These are important because they will bring attention to your business.

Using a mix of these hashtags will ensure the most effective approach:

• Popular hashtags, which offer users instant visibility.
• Moderately popular hashtags, giving visibility that lasts longer.
• Niche-specific, which offers targeted visibility.
• Brand-specific, bringing attention to your brand for recognition.

The hashtags that you use must be relevant to the content and your brand. Otherwise, visitors will quickly lose interest and won’t come back to your page.

4. Instagram Reels

TikTok has become very popular, which is why Instagram Reels was created. This was Instagram’s answer to TikTok, allowing Instagram users to create short-form video content (15-seconds) and edit it on their platform.

If you don’t want to switch to TikTok, Instagram Reels allows you to take advantage of the TikTok trend without having to re-establish yourself on a different platform.

One benefit of taking this approach is that you can take something trending on TikTok and then become one of the first to bring that trend to Reels. You can also make information easier to digest through these short-content videos, which customers tend to really respond to.

It can be a hassle to uproot your brand from one platform to another, especially when the demographic that you want to target is on Instagram. Instagram Reels is a tool that you must use.

5. Instagram Live

During the 2020 pandemic, there was a massive increase of people using Instagram Live. The usage went up by a massive 70% during this time.

Between the ongoing situation with the pandemic, it seems that Instagram Live will still be an extremely popular choice for users. This is a great way for you to connect with your visitors on a deeper level, which will help them get a better look at who you are.

When people connect with influencers or specific brands, they are more likely to keep coming back. Instagram is a great way for you to get this connection.

6. Promote Causes

Instagram created a social fundraising feature back in July 2020. These causes can be ones that you believe in personally, that your business sponsors, or fundraise on your friend’s behalf.

Instagram created this feature as a way to give back in response to the pandemic. This trend towards social causes isn’t going away anytime soon.

How does this help you?

With Instagram’s cause marketing, you share with potential customers about which causes matter most to you. This may help them better connect with you, helping you grow your brand.

7. In-App Shopping

Online shopping is the preferred choice for most people, but why not shop on Instagram? In many cases, people get inspiration for items to purchase by going on this platform.

Why not make it easier for them to shop the items they find and love on the site?

As people are spending more time on Instagram, it’s expected that there will be a trend in in-app shopping while people are on Instagram.

8. AR Filters

One trend that experts predict will be big in 2021 is branded AR filters. Facebook launched their own AR in 2019 with Spark, letting users create filters with special effects, which quickly grew popular among their uses.

This technology is great for buyers looking for the right products online. They can take a shade of lipstick and allow them to see what it looks like on them.

Users can try on outfits.

AR filters on Instagram is a growing trend because it can offer amazing potential for businesses.

9. IGTV

Video is the best way for people to digest information. It’s also a great way to engage your audience.

Recently, Instagram optimized the IGTV feature. Then, all the videos posted go to the IGTV tab, and you decide if it stays on your feed or not.

IGTV is long-form video content that allows users to create amazing content while earning you ad revenue from commercials.

It also offers video editing software to help make your videos even better, but as we previously mentioned, there is a trend towards more authentic content.

10. Explore Tab

Like every other website or social media platform, the primary goal is to ensure people stay on the platform as long as possible.

As a result, Instagram created their “Explore tab,” which helps users discover new content.

There may not be a definitive way to get your page on this tab, but you can improve your chances of getting on here by:

• Using relevant hashtags
• Posting at optimal times
• Adding location to attract local followers
• Add call-to-action to content
• Regularly engage with visitors

Conclusion

It’s crucial that you keep up with the latest Instagram trends if you are going to be successful. Instagram offers an excellent platform for you to raise your brand awareness and help your business thrive.

The thing is that Instagram trends are always changing, which is why it can be difficult to stay on top of these trends. That’s why your team may need a boost.

If you need help growing your Instagram, Managergram is the team to help you out. With our knowledge of the latest Instagram trends and our proven track record, you can notice significant improvements in our service.