--- title: 6 Instagram Updates You Need to Know About in 2018 description: Instagram is constantly changing so we've grouped together the top six updates you need to know about this social media platform in 2018... image: https://www.thriveability.co.uk/hubfs/Blog_Featured-Images/INSTAGRAM-IPHONE-DESK.jpg --- [![Thrive Logo](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/hubfs/thrive-logo-pink-1.svg)](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/) - [What We Do](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/what-we-do) - [About](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/about-us) - [Approach](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/approach) - [Work](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/work) - [Blog](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/blog) - [Contact](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/contact) Blog # 6 Instagram Updates You Need to Know About in 2018 June 13, 2018 7 Minute Read By Rachael Farley ## With every Instagram update comes a brand new feature to use, but what should you be looking out for in 2018? Opened up Instagram recently? We’re going to explain some of the changes you’ll have already noticed and some that are still yet to come to your News Feed.  ### 01. Adding Usernames and Hashtags to Your Bio  It’s time to refresh your Instagram bio with new clickable links! Have your own branded hashtag? Encourage your audience to mention you in future posts by featuring this in your bio - all you need to do is add a hashtag such as **#thrivemarketing**. Also, you can add usernames to direct users to another profile - showcase a business that you have a partnership with or send customers to your customer services’ account for assistance.  ### 02. New Focus Portrait Mode ![instagram-focus-mode](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/instagram-focus-mode.jpg?width=1024&name=instagram-focus-mode.jpg) \[[Image Source - Instagram Press](https://instagram-press.com/blog/2018/04/10/introducing-focus/)\] You may have noticed the new ‘Focus’ option when taking a photo to upload to your [Instagram story](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/blog/how-your-business-can-use-instagram-stories). In a [Instagram Press blog](https://instagram-press.com/blog/2018/04/10/introducing-focus/), the company have explained what the new feature can do: > “As soon as there’s someone in the shot, you’ll notice the person stays in focus while the background softly blurs — making sure they stand out in a striking way.” Focus mode is available on iPhone SE, 6S, 6S+, 7, 7+, 8, 8+ and X and select Android devices. ### 03. Group Video Chat ![instagram-video-chat](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/instagram-video-chat.jpg?width=1024&name=instagram-video-chat.jpg) \[[Image Source - Instagram Press](https://instagram-press.com/blog/2018/05/01/new-ways-to-share-and-connect-on-instagram/)\] We already have live videos so that users can interact with the people they follow in real time. But now Instagram is introducing group video chat so that users can communicate with each other privately.  All you have to do is select the camera icon at the top of a direct message and you can choose to chat with one person or a small group. ### 04. AR Camera Effects From your classic dog filter to celebrity endorsements, AR filters have been tried and tested by the majority of Instagram users. Third parties are being given the chance to create their own unique filters which will only be available to followers of the company. Other users will be able to see the filter which in turn could generate positive brand awareness. ### 05. New Instagram Explore Page ![instagram-explore](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/instagram-explore.png?width=406&name=instagram-explore.png) \[[Image Source - Instagram Press](https://instagram-press.com/blog/2018/05/01/new-ways-to-share-and-connect-on-instagram/)\] Instagram is making a big change to their Explore Page. As always, you’ll be able to see photos and videos similar to content you have already engaged with. However, they will be adding a new ‘channels’ feature where you can discover new accounts based on specific keywords. It’s a great tool if you’re looking for photography inspiration or just want to find a new dog account to follow! ### 06. Anti-Bullying Improvements  The last thing to mention is that Instagram is making anti-bullying improvements in order to ensure every user has a friendly and safe experience while using the app.  [Kevin Systrom, Co-Founder & CEO](https://instagram-press.com/blog/2018/05/01/protecting-our-community-from-bullying-comments-2/) of Instagram has stated: > “\[The\] new filter hides comments containing attacks on a person’s appearance or character, as well as threats to a person’s well-being or health." You can manage this filter by going into their settings and choosing ‘Comment Controls’. The ‘Hide Offensive Comments’ is automatically selected unless the user specifically turns it off for their posts. **Which new feature are you enjoying the most?** #### Share this post... [mailto:?Subject=Check%20out%20this%20post&Body=https://www.thriveability.co.uk//blog/6-instagram-updates-you-need-to-know-about-in-2018](mailto:?Subject=Check%20out%20this%20post&Body=https://www.thriveability.co.uk//blog/6-instagram-updates-you-need-to-know-about-in-2018) Ready to talk? ## Whether you need a new website, a branding refresh, or a marketing strategy, the first step is a conversation. We'll give you an honest view of where you are and what's worth doing next. ## You may also like to read... May 23, 2018 #### [How Facebook’s API Changes Will Affect Your Business](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/blog/how-facebooks-api-changes-will-affect-your-business) The latest news to send marketers worldwide into meltdown is Facebook’s recent API changes. But what does it actually mean? September 25, 2017 #### [How Your Business Can Use Instagram Stories](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/blog/how-your-business-can-use-instagram-stories) As Instagram Stories celebrates its first successful year, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. October 8, 2018 #### [What Is Instagram Highlights and How Can My Business Use It Best?](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/blog/what-is-instagram-highlights-and-how-can-my-business-use-it-best) Instagram Highlights allows you to save and continue to share your stories long after the usual 24 hour window. ![hubspot-logo-white](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/hubfs/2021%20Assets/Partner%20Logos/hubspot-logo-white.svg "hubspot-logo-white") ![google-partner-logo-white](https://www.thriveability.co.uk/hubfs/2021%20Assets/Partner%20Logos/google-partner-logo-white.svg "google-partner-logo-white") Copyright © Thrive Marketing Limited 2026 [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivehq?trk=top_nav_home/) [hello@thriveability.co.uk](mailto:hello@thriveability.co.uk) [01325 778 786](tel:01325%20778%20786)