Instagram intends to focus more on video content in 2022, with a particular emphasis on Reels. Instagram’s head, Meta-owned photo-sharing platform Instagram’s Adam Mosseri, said in a video message that the platform will double down on video and focus on Reels in 2022. Mosseri stated that Instagram will continue to grow and consolidate its video products around Reels.
“We are going to have to rethink what Instagram is because the world is changing quickly and we’re going to have to change with it,” Mosseri said.
Mosseri stated that Instagram will add more monetisation tools for creators to assist them in making a living. In addition, he stated that Instagram will prioritise messaging and transparency in 2022. Instagram will also increase its focus on controls. Instagram announced earlier this month that it will add parental controls in March.
Mosseri highlighted Instagram updates this year that focused on giving users more control over their experience. He emphasised features such as sensitive content controls, the ability to hide like counts, and the ability to use Hidden Words in direct messages. He also stated that a version of the chronological feed will be available next year.
Instagram rebranded IGTV earlier this month, combining IGTV videos and video feeds into a single tab called Instagram TV. Instagram users can now watch and upload videos of up to 60 minutes in the main app. According to Instagram, the new video format will make it easier for users to discover new video content. When watching videos on Instagram, users can now enter fullscreen mode by tapping anywhere on the video. Users can also keep scrolling to find new video content from creators who might be of interest to them.
The platform has reiterated what it said in July earlier this year. “We’re no longer a photo-sharing app or a square photo-sharing app. Let’s be honest, there’s some really serious competition right now. TikTok is huge, YouTube is even bigger, and there are lots of other upstarts as well. People are looking to Instagram to be entertained, there’s stiff competition and there’s more to do. We have to embrace that, and that means change,” Mosseri had noted earlier this year. He had noted that Instagram is trying to build new experiences in four areas including creators, video, shopping and messaging.
