Instagram is consistently putting out new updates and features to improve its platform and keep up with current trends.

If you use Instagram regularly (and your customers do too!), it’s worth staying in the know when it comes to the latest Instagram news, especially if you’re trying to target Gen Z.

Instagram is the second most used social media platform by Gen Z, coming in at 76% of the generation using the app (Morning Consult).

Utilizing these platform updates will help you cater to your audience and start the year off strong. Read on to learn about a few new features as well as information on how you can target Gen Z on Instagram. 

Recent Instagram Updates

Better Insights and Data for Instagram Reels

When you understand how your Reels are performing, you can adjust your strategy accordingly. Keep what works, ditch what doesn’t!

Short-form video has become more and more popular — and all signs point to it being here to stay. If you haven’t explored the world of Reels yet, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon! 

Instagram just released a new metric called Replays. Now, you will be able to see how many initial plays and replays each of your videos gets. This will help you understand how your customers are interacting and resonating with your content. 

Coming soon: In the next few months, creators will also be able to see how followers are interacting with their videos on a moment-by-moment basis. 

Improved Editing Capabilities for Reels

While many creators make videos on a separate platform, Instagram is now working to make it easier to edit within the app itself. 

Note that some of the below features are being tested or are coming soon.  

• Scale, crop, and rotate: It’s all in the name. Instagram added these features to give more options to creators within the app. 
• Undo and redo: [coming soon] Save time with an undo and redo option while editing your videos. Make a mistake or change your mind, no problem! 
• 10 new text-to-voice options: Feeling stuck in a rut with current text-to-voice options? Not anymore! 
• Six new fonts: Showcase your creativity with more fonts.
• Custom stickers: Instagram is currently testing ways for you to make stickers from your own photos or eligible photos or videos you see on the app. 

Bonus! Instagram draft views are getting more streamlined which will make it easier for you to jump in, edit, and post. You will soon have the option to preview drafts, rename them, and schedule them in advance. The latter will be a huge time saver for busy tour operators like you!

Gen Z and Instagram in 2024: Key Focus Areas

If your target demographic is Gen Z, Instagram is a great tool to reach that audience. We’ve collected a few key Gen Z trends from Instagram for the upcoming year that will help you make the most of the platform and engage that demographic. 

• Travel is one of Gen Z’s top 3 priorities for 2024 – that’s good news for you and your business! Time to flaunt your tours and activities on your feed. 
• Gen Z travelers on average did more than five tours or activities during their 2023 trips, compared to more than three for travelers 55 and older (Arival).
• Food is a trending topic among Gen Z which is ideal for cooking classes, food tours, and other culinary experiences. Even if your tours do not feature food, consider partnering with another local operator who does!
• If you offer vegan experiences, 45% of the people in Gen Z are interested in consuming vegan products. 
• Gen Z is also an advocate for activism and spreading awareness. Be sure to market your voluntourism or sustainability-centered experiences to Gen Z. 
• Pay attention to social media trends on Instagram and join in! Whether it’s a meme going around or a popular audio, use it to get your content out there and noticed. 

Staying on top of social media updates and Gen Z trends can be a job in itself — but it’s worth it to capitalize on Instagram and other platforms. For more tips on how to create engaging short-form videos with Reels and TikTok, read this article OR listen to this episode from our new podcast, Growth powered by FareHarbor.