Instagram has had many new features in its recent update, one of them being Instagram Guides. So if you’re wondering what they are or how to use them, here is just the guide you need.
What are Instagram Guides?
This new feature allows users to publish content of the same topic all together in one place. These guides can be used for tips or recommendations on places or products. For instance, you can produce a travel guide, or maybe a list of the best places to eat. This allows for flexibility on whatever your chosen topic is when creating your guide.
Initially, Instagram introduced this feature with a focus on wellness topics to help users during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, it has now been expanded to include all types of content. Instagram guides are essentially like creating a blog post on a different type of platform – it includes text, photos and videos to illustrate a particular topic.
Where do you find them?
It depends on whether you want to view a guide or create your own. If you are looking to view a user’s guide, you will find them within their own tab on the user’s profile. Look for the book icon, along the same banner as reels, photo grid and IGTV videos. Alternatively, if you are wanting to create your own guide, you can do this by going to your Profile > ‘+’ Icon > Guide.
Anyone who views your guides will be able to share them across their own stories and direct messages. If you want to view someone else’s guide, you just need to find the book icon on their profile. If you can’t find one, it will probably mean that the user hasn’t created one yet.
How do they work?
When viewing an instagram guide, you may find that some creators link up their content to other Instagram pages. For example, a guide about food may link up to companies who sell food. When you click on the image or video on the guide, it will then redirect you onto another profile that the user may be recommending. Before you know it, you’ve discovered many more businesses and Instagram users that you never knew about before.
When you go to create your own guide, you can select whether it is to recommend your favourite places, products or posts. This filter also makes it easier to help find a specific guide if you are searching for one. If you ever want to share a guide, all you have to do is click the share button in the top right corner.
Who can create Instagram Guides?
When Instagram guides were first launched, only a selected group of users had access to them. This included popular public figures or organisations. They used this feature to publish content on mental health and well-being. However, Instagram guides soon became more popular and so the feature was made available to all users, as well as including other types of content.
Now you know everything there is to know about Instagram Guides, why not try your own? If you have any questions about Instagram Guides, get in touch with our marketing team and we’ll be happy to help.
onefoursix are a digital marketing and SEO agency in Northampton. We work with local businesses all across Northamptonshire and surrounding areas. We have a fantastic team who specialise in social media, and are happy to help you with your Instagram business. To find more marketing tips and tricks, click here, or check out our previous work. Let us get your business noticed.
