Instagram recently announced “Instagram Subscriptions,” it’ll be another way for creators to monetize on IG. In idea, it will work very similar to Patreon and Only Fans formats. Rates will be anywhere between 99 cents and $99.99 per month. It gives people/followers/”subscribers” access to separate story posts or lives.

A few little fun aesthetic changes will be coming with it. IG will be making the stories ring for these to purple, instead of the close friends green or the standard orange/reddish ring. Subscribers will also get a purple badge on their profile, though I haven’t seen what that will look like or how that works yet.

But, basically, this new feature is for creators that want to make special content for their followers. So great idea, but not sure how this will convert on IG’s platform. Will it mean creators will start holding back their current free content or what? So far they have only released it to 10 creators, all US based, and most rates are about 2.99-4.99/month. I haven’t seen any $99.99, yet.

But, let’s discuss some of the pros vs cons…

Pros-

• This year Instagram isn’t charging, to get people signing up they are waving the fees.

• Export followers’ information to be able to move to another platform. So far they are the only one offering that.

• Possibility of getting closer to some of your favorite creators?

Cons-

• Stuck on Instagram - Limited in what you can offer because it has to stay on the app.

• Limited to lives & stories (I can already create a list on my own with close friends option)

• Instagram controls the money (Fees in 2023)- credit card fees, IG’s cut…so you end up with what, only 60%? You can do this elsewhere for free.

I want to be clear, this doesn’t mean you will be paying to use Instagram App, just paying to get extra from some of your favorite content creators.

So, as you guessed, I don’t see myself being able to use this feature. I won’t be changing the free knowledge I’m sharing there, here, or in my EFF group on Facebook, but maybe it’s a fit for you? Maybe, just while they aren’t charging during 2022? Just for that export follower feature so you could possibly move those followers to the current platform you are already using? Maybe???

Honestly, I don’t see this as something helpful or that I, myself could use. But, what do you think?

Here's a quick and dirty guide to GUIDES on Instagram!!

The first thing you should know is when you create a guide, you aren't making new content. You are taking others’ content or repurposing your own old content and putting it all in one place. It’s kind of like a fun way to link a bunch of thoughts in one theme post. My guess is that profiles that sell a product would really benefit from this.

So I just created my first guide (check it out on @melissamcclure.co) and it seems like it could be a cool feature.

You Gotta Give it a try!

Here are Some Basic Ideas -

• Places: Recommend places in your city and beyond

• Products: Recommend your favorite products

• Posts: Recommend posts you created or saved

Guides seem to be a great way to shoutout small businesses, do a travel theme with locations, outfit inspiration, really the ideas are pretty limitless and great for potential sponsorship. And as with everything new on IG, it's best to go try it asap! The algorithm LOVES when you use all their features especially the new ones.

Remember, just like I said with stories, IG rewards those that are using all of their features! They like also highlighting their NEW features, so this is definitely one to be using in the mix.

If you want to read more, this is a good article on it - Later.com

Any questions? I can do a video on how to create one if you'd like, feel free to let me know in my Facebook Group - Eff What They Think - Combining Instagram + Business + Radical Self Love. Some of my clients in the group are already reporting a huge jump in views when doing them. Give it a shot!

15 Instagram Helper Apps that I just can't live without! Seriously, these will help you too!

And, just remember if you work in media if the app is a “pay for” Tax Write-off. ;)

Disclosure: This site may contain affiliate links. Your clicks or use come to no extra expense for you. Though, I may receive a commission if you purchase from them.

For Editing:

1. Canva - This one! It is a must! You can do so much with the paid app that it is completely worth it! 60k templates for Stories/Posts/Gifs…so much!

*EXTRA TIP - Canva is also good for Facebook posts, just adding a simple image to your post will get more views.

2. Unfold - VERY CLEAN. Like it’s a clean app and it just helps your images just look clean.

3. Word Swag - More robust use with words then Canva, but similar in making graphics with quotes. Lots of great reviews.

4. Color Story - A lot of photographers use it and save they filters, which is a plus if you aren’t the best at that, but want a consistent filter feels. Also great quality and heard it can help with gridding.

5. Snapseed - By far the best for Object Removal! Great to get rid of those background distractions. (I’ll most likely make a training video for it in my Free FB Group soon).

6. Lightroom Mobile - This one has a little bit of learning curve but once you get it down you will love it. Super professional photo editor, from Adobe, so of course it would be. I believe though when you buy presents on mobile it isn’t transferable to the desktop version.

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For Preplanning (Organized Posting):

7. Panoly - I actually use the free option, so it just limits amount of use a little, but it’s the easiest to use for scheduling out your post.

8. Later - A lot of people swear by it, love it! I am personally do most through Panoly, but I love Later’s emails.

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For Fun:

9. Spark AR Studios - Make your OWN Face Filter!!! Use this to create your own filter for IG Stories, like changing skin for tanner, sparkles….or adding rainbows!?! Just what you want or what your brand is known for for other’s to use.

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For Hashtags #:

10. Hish Hash - I also use this one’s free version. But, it’s great for storing and organizing all those 25-30 hashtags. There is even a “shuffle” option so you don’t come across spammy.

11. Save on Phone with your “Notes” app - Like Hish Hash save your hashtags, but just none of the fun extras. Also, great for jotting quick ideas down for a later post.

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Follower Tracker:

12. Followers - I actually couldn’t find the link on desktop, but this is the one I use. I recommend only checking like once a month, not too much. Good for getting rid of those “follow - unfollower” type accounts just to monitor your numbers a bit. But, word of caution, do not do a mass unfollow, IG does not like that and you might get a temporary block for doing it.

**Please, be careful when downloading an app like this, I use a paid, hoping it reduces the risk that it’s just a phishing scheme to get my login information. But, because of that, I also recommend you make sure to have your 2 Step-Factor Authorization through IG step-up. Protect yourself.

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Closed Captioning:

Nearly half of users have their phones on silent while scrolling through the app, you need captions. Also, captions are also a good idea for the normal CC accessibility reasons. It’s highly recommended you add captions to your Story videos.

13. Threads - (Newer App) This app is actually meant to be more like Marco Polo App, but you can use it to record your video. Have it add captions and then download the video, wha-la.

14. Clipomatic - I believe this app only has a paid option, but it’s also great for captioning if you aren’t wanting to type it out yourself. It’s possible to also edit miscaptioning.

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And Of Course! INSTAGRAM! (#15)

The app it’s self has made huge improvements! You don’t really need to even use their extrenal Boomerang app anymore! Their analytics are fantastic and FREE (unlike pricy other apps). You can do a ton in the app, filters, polls…etc. The great thing to, is IG rewards use! Rewards those that use all it’s features, so give them all a try!

Do you have a favorite app to help you with your IG needs that I missed? Let me know! Love to hear it and try it!