Guess What Has Increased Over 150 Percent on Instagram?

“The total time people spent watching video on Instagram increased 150 percent over the past six months.”

— Instagram, June 2016

Instagram "Picked For You" channels 

It's beginning to look a lot like YouTube as Instagram rolls out Picked for You channels. Instagramers in the U.S. can now choose to watch the "best videos from around the world based on topics you find interesting."

Takeaways

• Video has risen to the top across social media channels. 
• Short, interest-based videos win.
• Including a few solid hashtags rather than a long string of hashtaging will help your video rise to the top. 

Try This For One Month

For every 3 pictures you post, try posting a 10-second video with a 3 hashtags. At the end of the month take a quick look back and note if you received more engagement through video, photos or a combination. 

8 Unexpected Places That Will Help Your Business Maximize Social Media

Been here before? You've typed "social media tips for business" into google and started wandering all over the internet. While you may pick up a few tips, this can really be a time zapper and  leave you hanging for the answers to your questions. 

Good news! Social media sites' very own help sections are improving daily. From the basics answers to your question to business case studies, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter want you to be successful (psst...it helps their business in the long run). 

Take a look at these help centers the next time you have a question:

Facebook help center

Facebook for business

Instagram help center 

Instagram for business 

Pinterest help center 

Pinterest for business 

Twitter help center

Twitter for business

The other perk by using these sections is that YOU will be one of the first to learn about updates, new features and temporary issues.