Instagram now has 1bn monthly active users, the 1/7 of the global population. And most users are turning to Explore when they want to search for the accounts they already follow on Instagram or for new ones.

On 16th May 2019, Instagram announced that they added new designs in Explore, bringing more ways to discover photos, videos, products and Stories relevant to user’s interests.

Source: Instagram Press Info Center

From now on when you are visiting the Explore, you’ll see a newly designed navigation bar, which features shortcuts to IGTV and Shopping followed by topic channels tailored to your interests, such as Food, Art and Travel. “IGTV” and “Shop” shortcuts are pinned to the front of the bar, making it easier to find products and videos from brands and creators you love.

The new designs bring much more immersive IGTV and Shopping experiences to Explore. By tapping on “IGTV,” you’ll see the recently updated home for IGTV, where you can browse a personalized feed of recommended videos from creators you follow or may want to follow.

By tapping on “Shop,” you’ll now have access to category filters in the navigation bar. These filters let you browse specific types of products on Instagram, including Beauty, Clothing, Home Decor and more. This feature will start rolling out in the US today.

Instagram Stories

Stories is an important way for people to connect with their interests on the platform, and over 500 million people use Instagram Stories every day. To help people experience the full breadth of interest content on Instagram, the redesigned Explore grid will now feature Stories.

In the same way that Explore recommends posts based on topics you’re interested in, the grid will now provide you with personalized Stories recommendations. Instagram will begin rolling this out over the coming weeks.

Today’s launch marks an important step forward for Explore, which is used by more than 50% of accounts on Instagram every month. Explore considers the universe of content posted to Instagram every day and surfaces what’s most relevant to each user.

Now, with new ways to discover the best of Instagram, Explore has elevated to an even better place to connect with the user’s interests.

Facebook IQ Survey

Instagram is well-known as a discovery engine for brands, but it can also drive sales and advocacy. Phones in hand, Instagrammers might seek inspiration from people and brands in their feeds, direct message friends for opinions while shopping, make purchases through Shopping on Instagram and post stories to show off what they buy. So how can marketers harness those touch points?

With a focus on how Instagram drives action, Facebook IQ commissioned two studies to learn from people who turn to the platform regularly. The research revealed that Instagram is a platform that goes beyond awareness generation—it drives sales. In fact, 54% of people surveyed say they made a purchase either in the moment or after seeing a product or service on Instagram. See the studies and admire the beauty of deep research!

If you want to be amazed with the current growth of Instagram then read in this article some of the top Instagram Statistics for 2019.

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