T H E C O M P L E T E G U I D E T O A L L O F I N S TA G R A M ' S U P D A T E S I N T H E L A S T Y E A R

It's been a transformative year for Instagram. Let's recap.

We’ve come a long way from Kevin’s foot.

Considering that Instagram changed how we eat, dress, and consume media, their updates are a big deal.

It all began when they opened up their API in 2015.

The changes have benefited both businesses and regular users.

Dash Hudson is the leading Instagram marketing platform and a one-stop solution for brands.

Collect & Create compelling images

Publish native campaigns

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We know, all of these updates have been hard to keep track of. Even for the savviest of marketers.

In this essential guide, we bring you every single major Instagram release from the API opening to

date.

@andicsinger

Don’t let this ever-evolving landscape throw a wrench in your strategy.

Let’s get to it.

It all began in the summer of 2015…

1 . V E R T I C A L + H O R I Z O N TA L P H O T O S

Finally! Said everyone in August 2015.

2 . T H E A P I

Following an August announcement, the API officially

opens up to all in September 2015.

What a time to be alive.

3 . D I R E C T M E S S A G I N G

On September 1st, 2015, direct messaging gets a makeover.

Added functionality now makes the tool more intuitive for users.

Things heated up in the fall…

4 . B O O M E R A N G

In late October 2015, Instagram launches a whole separate app

for all non-gif, non-photo needs.

And then, winter came.

5 . A C C O U N T S W I T C H I N G

In February 2016, Insta implements the ability to switch

accounts from within the app without having to log out.

Social media managers the world over breathe a collective

sigh of relief.

6 . V I E W C O U N T S O N V I D E O S

Also in February 2016: video view count is introduced,

because that’s obviously a more accurate performance

barometer than likes. 💁

And then the apocalypse happened…

No one was prepared for this.

7 . A L G O R I T H M A N N O U N C E M E N T

In March 2016, Instagram plants the seed to change the feed,

announcing that photos will no longer appear in chronological order. Instead, the content will

surface according to what users “care about the most”.

Folks are not enthusiastic about this news.

After winter must come spring.

8 . L O N G E R V I D E O S

In April 2016, Instagram releases 60 second video. Big jump from

the previous 13 seconds!

9 . E X P L O R E P A G E R E V A M P

April kicks off a major Explore page overhaul by introducing

video channels. Throughout the year, they also add topic/interest channels, event

channels and, most recently, a Stories channel.

1 0 . N E W L O G O

Stop.The.Presses.

May 2016 will forever go down in history as the month that

Instagram got a “new look”, aka changed its logo.

Back at it again with summer.

1 1 . A L G O R I T H M L Y F E S E T S I N

In June 2016, the algorithm goes live for all users, as promised in March. Good thing humans are

an adaptable species.

1 2 . B U S I N E S S T O O L S

It is also revealed in June 2016 that Instagram will release

business tools and insights, as well as business profiles.

So much biz!

1 3 . S T O R I E S

Paging Evan Spiegel. Oh, wait.

In August 2016, Instagram Stories drops. For all those share-worthy but not gallery-worthy moments, there’s now Stories, a Snapchat

redux (by Kevin’s own admission).

1 4 . C O M M E N T M O D E R AT I O N

In August 2016, Instagram states that a moderation

function is in the works to keep the platform a safe, positive place. Because shade ain’t

welcome here.

It goes live in September.

1 5 . Z O O M

Users had to wait long enough for this one: on August 31st, 2016, zooming in on posts is

finally possible. Folks no longer need to explain to their parents that no, they can’t get a close-

up because blah blah blah…

WHAT’S NEXT?

(a draft feature, apparently)

What would you like Instagram to release next?

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