The year 2018 saw a lot of great updates on Instagram and Snapchat. The already popular platforms have now become even more social-friendly and business-friendly. Here is a quick recap of the most popular updates. Read on to get yourself updated and stay on top of the game while using Instagram and Snapchat.

Instagram:

IGTV was launched in June

Instagram provided a way for users to post longer videos than previously permitted. The IGTV feature allows people to post videos that have up to 60 minutes of duration. This is definitely a great thing for users who have been limited by a 15-second limit for their videos. However, the 60-minute time limit is mostly for large accounts. Accounts that are less active or non-verified can post videos with 10 minutes duration.

Shopping made easy

Instagram sure has a lot of accounts that sell stuff online and post pictures of products regularly. This has become easier with the new updates from the makers. Instagram has tested a way to shop via stories and also to set up a shopping channel in the Explore section. This has seen a lot of positive response among sellers and buyers on Instagram.

They shared the inside story

Instagram shared how its algorithm works and how the posts end up on your screen. They shared that there are three main criteria that determine how your Instagram feed is constructed. These criteria are your interest, recent favourites and relationship strength.

Exclusive accounts for creators

Influencers have a big role to play on Instagram and naturally, Instagram is testing a feature that gives such people special privileges. They are testing a special feature which gives exclusive data to creator accounts such as follow and unfollow data, segregation in direct messaging, flexible labels, etc.

Countdown clock makes stories more interesting

The stories on Instagram are now more interesting with the interactive countdown sticker that can be used in your stories. Also, the stickers for questions on stories have been given a boost and many more interesting ones have been added. This feature can be used by brands in many creative ways.

Snapchat:

A whole new version

Snapchat had released a new update that gave the whole app a makeover in 2018. This has come with its share of criticism because people have found it to be confusing and not very user-friendly. Now, there are speculations that Snapchat is rolling back a few features of the new update. So, what were the features of the new update that made the new version a bit of controversy? Here are some major points.

Stories are not in chronological order but in the order of the regularity of your interaction with people

Bitmojis have been updated to look more realistic

The Discover page is more personalised and is more intuitive

You have to swipe right to find friends

Over 10,000 new filters have been added

The layout of the app has been changed

On the whole, the app is a lot more fun now and now works in a lot more intuitive way which has ironically made it a little confusing because people don’t always click only on what they like. However, it is still one of the most favourite apps for youngsters and will remain so because there are a lot of great features that make it a great socialising app.