Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms globally, with more than one billion active users. Whether you’re new to Instagram or have been using it to market your flowers for years, you’ll want to know where to focus in 2021. Check out this list of the ten most important Instagram trends, and make sure to work a few of them into your marketing strategy for the new year.
- Instagram Stories
One of the hottest trends for 2021, Instagram Stories is a critical component of influencer marketing. Almost 90 percent of influencers say they regularly publish content on Instagram Stories, and nearly eight out of ten marketers say this has had a massive impact on how well influencers promote their brand. Instagram Stories is easy to use and is sure to increase your shop’s social engagement in the new year.
- Instagram Reels
Reels is Instagram’s video format, launched in August 2020 — and it’s growing fast. Reels allows you to create and edit short, 15-second videos, similar to TikTok videos. It’s become hugely popular since its release and looks to become the biggest rival to TikTok in the new year. As a floral business, Reels is a great and simple way to get your message to the people who want what you have to offer.
- Instagram Live
Another hot trend is also one of the fastest-growing: Instagram Live. After the pandemic hit and we spent so much time in isolation, we turned to social media to interact with others. At the early peak of the pandemic in April, Instagram Live usage skyrocketed 70% in one month. That trend will continue into 2021, so get those Live videos out there to share your latest offers and designs!
- In-App Shopping
Good news for floral retailers: Instagram’s Shopping feature is gaining more and more popularity. Currently, 70% of shoppers use Instagram to find out more about products before purchasing them, and 130 million users tap on shopping posts every month. By setting up your shop on Instagram now, you’ll be prepared to take advantage of this significant 2021 trend.
- “Explore” Tab
One of the top ways Instagram increases user engagement is through its Explore tab. When a user clicks on this tab, it pulls up customized results based on their browsing history. More than 50 percent of Instagram accounts use this feature at least once a month, so this is a great way to get your business noticed. The key is to create engaging, fun content, then post regularly to your Instagram feed and Stories.
- Cross-platform Content
Instagram is no longer just for photos, as you can probably tell from what you’ve already read. People share all kinds of content on Instagram — such as memes, videos, and GIFs — from Tiktok, Twitter, and other social media sites. While Instagram is making sure users can create the same content type on its platform, this cross-platform content will continue well into 2021.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Filters
AR is a huge part of Instagram, with filters available for just about anything. Now, companies have jumped onto the AR bandwagon by creating custom filters for users. For example, think about creating a custom filter for your Instagram feed that enables users to place an arrangement in their house. Imagine how many more you’ll sell if your customers can see how they look before ever purchasing them!
- Carousel Posts
First launched in 2017, carousel posts are now one of the most popular ways for people to post on Instagram. This form of content has grown from less than four percent of all the content on Instagram to nearly 20 percent just three years later, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. You can post up to ten images or videos at one time, so followers can scroll through — great to show off a series of floral bouquets or arrangements!
- Fundraising
Instagram’s fundraiser feature helps people start a fundraising campaign or contribute to another’s campaign. Instagram launched this feature in 2020 to help users support struggling businesses in the wake of the pandemic. In the first few months of 2020 alone, Instagram and Facebook users raised more than $100 million for those affected by COVID-19.
- Instagram TV (IGTV) Ads
IGTV is poised for a massive expansion in the new year. Why? Instagram plans to allow users to create ads on this long-form video platform. That means you’ll be able to promote your businesses in video ads and get those ads in front of many more potential customers. While there is still more testing to be done on IGTV Ads, it certainly looks to be a top trend in 2021.
There you have it: The top ten Instagram trends for 2021. Pick the ones that most align with your business model, and add them to your marketing strategy. You’re sure to increase followers, engagement, and sales!
