Instead of the option to go back to a chronological feed that most users were asking for, Instagram instead had been working on a new feature that let’s you zoom in on images.
Although unconventional, here are our top reasons we might fall in love with the new Instagram zoom feature.
Rolling out on Apple this week (and for Android users next week) you will be able to pinch’n zoom on images on Instagram, their formal announcement says:
1. You can show your parents your photos
Trying to show your parents your feed, or products you can’t wait to buy?
While they’d normally grab your phone, squint or tell you to pass them their glasses, you’ll now be able to zoom in on your latest Insta-moment without a complaint.
2. Branded content on Instagram
Without knowing it, you’re about to see AND post more branded content.
Instagram users will be able to zoom in on EVERYTHING and visitors will have access to every brand you have in your life.
The reason we love this is that it gives you more opportunity, make sure you tag products in your images that might not be as obvious as you first thought – they definitely will have these on their radar to repost and bring you more viewers and potentially new followers (and customers).
Take a bit more time to think about who is in the background of your images when you’re posting.
PSST –> Want to find out how to add music to you Instagram stories?
3. Product photography re-invented
Creativity on Instagram is already a huge reason why we use it, but what about products that need to be up close all the time? Now with zoom, you can post images and then ask users to zoom in to check out your product, giving you more creative options!
A great example of that (although a little unrelated, but here to offer you inspiration!) has come from British Airways who ask you to zoom in to ‘find out more’.
4. Stalking online frenemies
Whether you’re zooming in on their complexion to see if they’ve used ‘that selfie app’, or if you’re just getting your judge on – it’s highly likely you’re about to accidentally ‘like’ a picture you weren’t supposed to.
Why we like this?
It’s either going to make you leave them alone (and go back to running your own race), or you’re going to have to leave a bunch of comments and make peace.
5. How to use the Instagram zoom feature in your own marketing
You don’t have to use it in every post, more the ‘every now and then’ post.
It’s a nice way to mix up your visuals if you’ve been feeling restricted, or repetitive lately.
When you do try the zoom, make sure to use a Call To Action (CTA), or strong instructions like ‘Zoom in to see our…’, and let them know what they’re going to discover if they take zoom-in action.
“With the zoom feature, there needs to be some inherent reason to look at an image closer to discover something, but that action of discovery still needs to connect to the brands messaging in some way or it’ll just feel like a gimmick” Steve O’Connell from Red Tettemer O’Connell and Partners.
Another great example of Instagram zoom feature from Primark – this could be one of your flatlays, just with instructions to Zoom in your caption.
Have you used the zoom function?
Noticed other brands using the zoom function well?
Make sure you drop it in the comments below so we can check it out!
