--- title: How Instagram is Shaping the Future of Social Media Marketing description: Instagram announced a whole lot of exciting new features as part of a wider update at the Facebook Developer Conference 2019. image: https://www.distilagency.com/hubfs/SDS-BLOG-INSTA-FUTURE.jpg --- [![DISTIL_Logo](https://www.distilagency.com/hubfs/DISTIL_Logo.png)](https://www.sydneydesignsocial.com) - [Services](https://www.distilagency.com/all-services) - [Branding & Creative](https://www.distilagency.com/branding-creative) - [Digital Marketing](https://www.distilagency.com/digital-marketing) - [Partnerships](https://www.distilagency.com/partnerships) - [Work](https://www.distilagency.com/work) - [Blog](https://www.distilagency.com/blog) - [Resources](https://www.distilagency.com/resources) - [TikTok for Business](https://www.distilagency.com/tiktok-guide-for-business) - [Facebook for Business](https://www.distilagency.com/resources/beginners-guide-to-using-facebook-for-businesses) - [Instagram for Business](https://www.distilagency.com/how-to-use-instagram-for-your-business) - [Digital Marketing Guide](https://www.distilagency.com/a-guide-to-digital-marketing-for-hospitality) - [Graphic Design Guide](https://www.distilagency.com/en/resources/graphic-design-for-hospitality) - [Contact](https://www.distilagency.com/contact) [ALL BLOGS](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/) ### How Instagram is Shaping the Future of Social Media Marketing # How Instagram is Shaping the Future of Social Media Marketing I can’t see my likes…my precious likes. That’s right – Instagram announced a whole lot of exciting new features as part of a wider update at the Facebook Developer Conference 2019. ## **Instagram Stories** Instagram Stories is receiving a big update, making it much easier for users to access all of Instagram’s staple features – one addition being the ability to create your own AR (augmented reality) filters. This software was only previously available to select brands and designers as part of a closed beta and will be a big trend for business users moving forward. ![Screenshot demonstration of augmented reality filters on Instagram](https://www.distilagency.com/hs-fs/hubfs/theverge.com-1.jpeg?width=1160&name=theverge.com-1.jpeg) Another new feature coming to Instagram Stories is Donation Stickers - allowing people to raise money for non-profits directly through the Instagram app. Instead of spending months to build an audience or gain donations through boosted ads and a constant stream of content, non-profits can now use influencers to deliver their message directly to an audience through a voice they already trust. ## Influencers = $$$ Influencers and celebrities are being granted their own ‘cart’ feature as part of the update, allowing them the ability to tag a specific item in their post for you to purchase – all without leaving the Instagram app (so long to the days of ‘click the link in my bio’). This feature is still in its beta phase but remains interesting in terms of the business-to-influencer relationship. ![Screenshot of purchasing items through the Instagram app](https://www.distilagency.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy-of-Copy-of-TEMPLATE-Vertical-Triple-2.png?width=605&name=Copy-of-Copy-of-TEMPLATE-Vertical-Triple-2.png) This isn’t the only reason to keep chasing your career as an influencer. Instagram have announced a dedicated Creator Studio, which will include a wide range of analytics metrics, including engagement stats, when your audience is online, and demographic info. This doesn’t come without its flaws – current issues include not being able to automatically schedule posts or use third-party analytics software. ## No Likes? No Worries Instagram has also been trialling hiding the ‘like count’ on all posts, in aims to create a less ‘pressurised environment’ and put more of a focus on quality content. This move makes sense from an ethics standpoint - in a world where social media is a big contributor to depression and anxiety, especially when personal expectations aren’t met and you angrily pull that cute selfie down after only getting 10 likes (be honest, we’ve all been there). ![Milhouse from The Simpsons with the caption 'but my mom says I'm cool'](https://www.distilagency.com/hs-fs/hubfs/0b980b36868d157cfc470a5ba575034c-1.jpg?width=455&name=0b980b36868d157cfc470a5ba575034c-1.jpg)This addition is currently being trialled in Canada and will be very interesting to see the reactions. You will still be able to see who liked another person’s post (and count the likes if you must), and you will be able to see how many likes you have received on your own posts. ## What Does This All Mean?! Instagram is keeping all their stakeholders happy, cementing the app as *the* social media giant and one of the biggest influencers (seriously, no pun intended) on the future of digital marketing. The app not only allows business users to target and promote their product to a tailored audience, but it’s also taking steps to create a deeper advertising experience. Instagram is opening its doors to welcome a wider audience of business users to take advantage of their new features, making the platform a staple for online digital marketing. [View our Social Media Services here](https://www.distilagency.com/services/social-media-services) [![Subscribe to our Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4606896/b12e331e-6b95-4d0f-84b1-92447056b5a8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4606896/b12e331e-6b95-4d0f-84b1-92447056b5a8) 28/05/2019 ![Tom McParlane](https://www.distilagency.com/hubfs/tom-2.jpg) [Tom McParlane](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/author/tom-mcparlane) Post Tags [Instagram](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/tag/instagram), [Digital Marketing](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/tag/digital-marketing), [Social Media Marketing](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/tag/social-media-marketing) ### Categories - [Social Media Marketing (82)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/tag/social-media-marketing) - [Digital Marketing (78)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/tag/digital-marketing) - [Social Media (55)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/tag/social-media) - [Instagram (45)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/tag/instagram) - [Graphic Design (44)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/tag/graphic-design) ### Featured Reads ![ Featured Post Image ](https://www.distilagency.com/hubfs/Marketing_Calendar_BlogBanner_V1-1.jpg) ### [2025 Marketing Calendar](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/2025-marketing-calendar) ![A GIF of a pair of hands holding a restaurant menu, moving back and forth. ](https://www.distilagency.com/hubfs/DISTIL_BLOG_Banner_Menu_Design.gif) ### [Elevate Your Brand: Menu Design and Branding Strategies for the Food, Beverage, and QSR Industries](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/elevate-your-brand-menu-design-and-branding-strategies-for-the-food-beverage-and-qsr-industries) ![ Featured Post Image ](https://www.distilagency.com/hubfs/DISTIL_Open_House_Blog_Banner.jpg) ### [Introducing Distil Open House](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/distil-open-house) ### Archive - [March 2020 (8)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/03) - [April 2020 (7)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/04) - [February 2019 (6)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/02) - [October 2018 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2018/10) - [January 2019 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/01) - [May 2019 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/05) - [October 2019 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/10) - [May 2020 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/05) - [June 2020 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/06) - [November 2020 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/11) - [July 2021 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/07) - [September 2021 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/09) - [December 2021 (5)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/12) - [August 2018 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2018/08) - [March 2019 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/03) - [June 2019 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/06) - [August 2019 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/08) - [September 2019 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/09) - [November 2019 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/11) - [December 2019 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/12) - [January 2020 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/01) - [February 2020 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/02) - [July 2020 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/07) - [August 2020 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/08) - [September 2020 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/09) - [October 2020 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/10) - [January 2021 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/01) - [February 2021 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/02) - [March 2021 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/03) - [April 2021 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/04) - [May 2021 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/05) - [October 2021 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/10) - [April 2022 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2022/04) - [March 2023 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/03) - [June 2023 (4)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/06) - [November 2018 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2018/11) - [December 2018 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2018/12) - [April 2019 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/04) - [July 2019 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2019/07) - [August 2021 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/08) - [November 2021 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/11) - [July 2023 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/07) - [April 2024 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2024/04) - [July 2024 (3)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2024/07) - [September 2018 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2018/09) - [December 2020 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2020/12) - [January 2022 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2022/01) - [February 2022 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2022/02) - [March 2022 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2022/03) - [May 2022 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2022/05) - [May 2023 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/05) - [September 2023 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/09) - [October 2023 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/10) - [December 2023 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/12) - [March 2024 (2)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2024/03) - [June 2021 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2021/06) - [August 2022 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2022/08) - [September 2022 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2022/09) - [December 2022 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2022/12) - [January 2023 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/01) - [August 2023 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/08) - [November 2023 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2023/11) - [January 2024 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2024/01) - [February 2024 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2024/02) - [June 2024 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2024/06) - [August 2024 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2024/08) - [November 2024 (1)](https://www.distilagency.com/blog/archive/2024/11) See all ### Subscribe to our blog ##### Distil #### Branding, Design & Digital Marketing - - - - - - - [![Distil_Logo](https://www.distilagency.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DISTIL_Logo.png?width=95&name=DISTIL_Logo.png)](https://www.sydneydesignsocial.com) - © Copyright 2025 ##### Follow us! - - - - ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=203210420347760&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tom McParlane", "url" : "https://www.distilagency.com/blog/author/tom-mcparlane" }, "dateModified" : "2024-09-30T06:39:49.893Z", "datePublished" : "2019-05-28T07:16:00.000Z", "headline" : "How Instagram is Shaping the Future of Social Media Marketing", "image" : [ "https://www.distilagency.com/hubfs/SDS-BLOG-INSTA-FUTURE.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.distilagency.com/blog/how-instagram-is-shaping-the-future-of-social-media-marketing", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.distilagency.com/hubfs/Distil_Logo_Wordmark_Primary_Black-2.png" }, "name" : "Distil Agency" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : "https://www.sydneydesignsocial.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sydney Design Social/Home/logo.png", "url" : "http://www.sydneydesignsocial.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : { "@id" : "http://www.sydneydesignsocial.com/", "name" : "Home" }, "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : { "@id" : "http://www.sydneydesignsocial.com/services", "name" : "Services" }, "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : { "@id" : "http://www.sydneydesignsocial.com/work", "name" : "Work" }, "position" : 3 } ] } ```