If social media were a soap opera, TikTok would be the unpredictable character causing all the drama. One minute it’s banned, the next it’s back, and somehow amidst all the chaos, Instagram stays cool—making its own big moves to keep us on our toes. For real estate professionals, keeping up with these changes might feel like trying to stage a house while the owners are still packing. But don’t worry; we’ve got the cheat sheet for you!
Instagram’s Latest Updates: What’s New?
Instagram is shaking things up again, and here are the biggest updates that real estate pros should know:
1. Goodbye, Squares: The Profile Grid is Getting Taller
Instagram is swapping its classic square profile grid for a new 4:5 rectangular format. This change means your photos and videos will now appear taller in your profile—a win for showcasing those luxurious high ceilings and stunning vertical property shots.
What It Means for You:
- Vertical content now dominates, so prioritize 4:5 ratio photos and vertical videos.
2. Reels Just Got Longer
Good news for those of you who struggle to cram all the beauty of a listing into 90 seconds. Reels can now be up to 3 minutes long, giving you more time to showcase properties, provide market insights, or even give a mini home-buying tutorial.
What It Means for You:
- Use the extra time to create more engaging, informative content.
- Show full property walkthroughs without feeling rushed.
3. Friends Are Watching: Enhanced Reels Engagement
Instagram will now provide a new feature for friends to like and comment on your Reels. This enhanced experience aims to make Reels more interactive and community-driven.
What It Means for You:
- Engage with followers who interact with your content to build relationships.
- Use this insight to see what types of content resonate most with your audience.
4. Integration with WhatsApp for Cross-Posting
Instagram is integrating with WhatsApp, allowing you to share status updates across platforms seamlessly. This feature is part of Meta’s push to make cross-platform sharing easier and more intuitive.
What It Means for You:
- Post any status updates or announcements on both platforms with just one click.
- Engage and respond to users through either Instagram or WhatsApp once connected.
5. COMING SOON: ‘Edits’- Instagram’s New Video Editing App
Instagram is rolling out a new app, aptly named ‘Edits,’ designed to make creating professional-level content easier. From AI animations to auto-generated captions, this tool will help you elevate your video marketing.
What It Means for You:
- Say goodbye to juggling multiple editing apps.
- Create polished, branded videos to stand out from the competition.
Projected release is March 2025.
How Real Estate Pros Can Adapt
With these updates, it’s clear that vertical video and interactive, community-driven content are the future of Instagram. Here’s how you can stay ahead:
- Embrace Vertical Everything: Start shooting photos and videos in a vertical format to accommodate the 4:5 grid and 9:16 video ratios to align with Instagram’s evolving formats.
- Focus on Reels: Dedicate time to creating engaging Reels that highlight your listings, market expertise, or behind-the-scenes moments.
- Be Social: Use the enhanced Reels engagement feature to connect with potential clients and foster relationships.
How Back At You is Adapting
At Back At You, we’re committed to keeping our clients ahead of the social media curve. With Instagram’s new updates, we’ll be creating new client content to adapt to the 4:5 change. As we start to make changes, we will keep you updated along the way!
Final Thoughts
Social media changes fast, but that doesn’t mean it has to be overwhelming. With these new Instagram updates, real estate professionals have more tools than ever to engage their audience, showcase their expertise, and stand out in a crowded market. And with Back At You by your side, adapting to these changes has never been easier.
For seamless automation and a social media strategy that truly sets you apart, we’re here to help. Book a time on our calendar, and let’s discuss your business, goals, and vision. Together, we’ll craft a plan to make it all happen.