Growing Pains: Navigating Instagram’s Evolving Landscape

I’ve been in the social media game since 2019, pre-dating the explosion of TikTok and even the inception of Instagram Reels. That practically makes me a seasoned veteran in the social media world. During my tenure, I’ve watched my beloved Instagram, once primarily a photo-sharing app, transform into the complex and multifaceted platform it is today.

Overall, I’m thrilled with the changes Instagram has made. It has grown into a dynamic space that fosters creative expression. Beyond that, it serves as an integral marketing tool for brands and businesses, making it an invaluable asset in the digital age.

However, with growth have come growing pains. As a social media manager, I can’t ignore the challenges and shortcomings of the new-and-improved Instagram. Let’s dive into some of the most significant hurdles my clients and I face as we navigate this new Instagram age.

1. Poor SEO Capabilities

Instagram’s SEO features fall short compared to other platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The platform heavily relies on hashtags and captions for content visibility, making it less straightforward for users to find specific content through search. Instagram recently added a new feature to help combat the issue, allowing you to categorize your reels with “topics.”…