Did you know that Instagram users are seeing a per-follower engagement rate of 4.21%? This is 58 x HIGHER than Facebook, and 120 x HIGHER than Twitter.

2017 has been the year of Instagram. First, they introduce Instagram Stories which sees 100 million daily active viewers which is over 60% of their closest rival; Snapchat’s daily active users.

Now we are seeing a brand new feature that in my opinion, will put Instagram ahead of its closest rivals in the year of visual marketing.

As a Social Media user, there are always going to be features we love about each social network. What Instagram have done, is taken the best features that their audience have been asking for, and delivered.

Instagram’s New Slideshow Feature

Less than a week ago, Instagram introduced their Slideshow feature. Whilst being a very simple addition, it has only increased the platform’s popularity, especially when it comes to small businesses marketing online.  

This new feature allows you to upload 10 photos/videos in one single post. The photos/videos could be a behind-the-scenes look at your working week, it could be the latest product/service launch or even an event you are attending – the options are endless with the slideshow feature.

How-To Use Instagram’s New Slideshow Feature

When you go to add a new picture/video to your feed, follow the below steps.

1. Click on the “select multiple” option on the right hand side of the image.
2. Highlight the 10 (or less) images/videos you want to share on your profile
3. Click “next”
4. Add a filter to your first photo then scroll through all your other slideshow photos
5. Click “next
6. Add content and hashtags as you would usually and upload your slideshow to Instagram!

Instagram had the following to say:

“This product was inspired by members of our community, who have told us that there are times they want to share more than just one moment from a memorable experience in their feed. The ability to upload multiple photos and videos within one post not only adds depth to those moments, but it also complements other products within the app, such as stories, in a way that makes it easier than ever to share your highlights and everything in between on Instagram.”

This new gallery feature was rumored to be in the works earlier this month when a beta version of the update was discovered by some users. This feature has also been floating around inside the advertising section of Instagram for advertisers to use.

Why Instagram’s New Slideshow Feature is Important 

Visual marketing will take over in 2017, and Instagram have made some amazing feature updates to give their audience exactly what they have been looking for. The slideshow feature paired with the real-time Instagram Stories is very powerful, and as far as I can see; all the other social networks are falling behind.

As a business marketing online, you can now connect with your audience in real-time, and share both a story in video form, and in picture form. I always say that telling a story is one of the best ways to connect with your target audience and Instagram has understood this and made it possible.

Next step for Instagram: allowing a link in an Instagram post (fingers crossed).

Next Step: Content Calendar

To help you better navigate your way through creating slideshows as a part of your content strategy, I would love to give you my content calendar completely free of charge.

It wasn’t until I was at one of my Social Media Workshops, with a group of great entrepreneurs and small businesses that I really understood the need for a content calendar.

Content is your best friend when marketing your business online so download my content calendar today to get organised, and better plan your monthly content so you can focus on sales!