SEO glossary: Instagram

 

How does Instagram work? The first steps explained simply

The social media app offers a wide range of functions. After installing it on your smartphone, new users can get started on the social network straight away. We explain how Instagram works in detail in our introduction:

 

• After downloading to your smartphone, you first create a new Instagram account. Depending on your personal preference, you can add a profile picture and create a short biography.
• You can search for and follow friends or well-known companies or influencers directly when you register. This is very easy using the magnifying glass symbol on the start page.
• Link the Instagram app with other social networks such as Facebook to make your account visible on different channels.

 

Instagram functions at a glance: What the app can do

Have you taken the first steps but don't know what functions the Instagram app has to offer? We'll explain what options you have when using it.

 

Voice messages: You can send voice messages in Direct Messenger on Instagram. Simply press and hold the microphone icon next to the message field.

 

Sharing pictures and videos: The most important functions of Instagram are uploading, taking and sharing photos and videos. You can also edit the content with filters. You can also add a caption to all your uploaded videos and images.

 

Mark people and places: You can mark people or places on a video or picture. This function is particularly useful for local events and functions, but also if you want to share certain videos or images with friends.

 

Stories: You can use Instagram Stories to capture spontaneous impressions. Stories are automatically visible in the feed for a maximum of one day. There are virtually no limits to the content users can post: Photos and videos can be posted in your Instagram Stories as well as drawings, texts or even stickers.

 

Nametags: Nametags add new accounts to your friends list.

 

Reels: Reels are becoming increasingly popular as posts on Instagram. This app function cuts together small clips. They are used to create vertical videos with music. Numerous companies use the maximum 60-second videos as they can contribute to a greater reach on Instagram.

 

Instagram Live: The term "Instagram Live" defines a live stream that can be accessed by several users at the same time.

 

IGTV: You can use the IGTV function to publish videos with a running time of more than one minute.

 

Hashtags: The way hashtags work is already familiar from other social networks such as X (formerly Twitter). The term hashtags refers to keywords that contribute to the respective posts appearing in the Instagram algorithm and in the search results.

 

Instagram business account: With an Instagram business account, companies increase their visibility and can gain a larger number of followers. This account offers more opportunities for advertising and advertorials.

 

Posting likes and comments: Every user can post comments under posts on Instagram using their profile. It is also possible to like photos and videos.

 

Instagram shopping: If you have your own online store, you should use the Instagram shopping function. You can mention and link your products directly in your posts on the social network.

 

Commercial use of Instagram: What to keep in mind

You can use Instagram for your company's online marketing and use it in a variety of ways. Please note the following information for commercial use:

 

Use your own photos

The app guidelines primarily provide for the use of your own content and photos. If you would like to publish third-party images with your profile, you will need permission to use them. If the author does not grant you this, this constitutes a copyright infringement. Please note: If you use photos of other brands illegally, you may receive a warning.

 

Create an imprint

In Germany, commercial users on Instagram are required to provide a legal notice in accordance with Section 5 of the Digital Services Act. The integration into your own profile is done with an imprint link. This is subject to the so-called two-click rule.

 

This means that users have to access your legal notice after a maximum of two clicks. In the legal notice itself, your brand stores all relevant information about the company, for example your legal form, your head office and your VAT identification number.

 

Scale images and videos correctly

Note the standard sizes of photos and videos on Instagram. Your profile picture should be at least 110 × 110 pixels. Instagram automatically adjusts all other photos to a size of 640 × 640 pixels.

 

 

5 tips to increase your reach on Instagram

Do you want to make your content more visible on Instagram? Then you should focus on elements such as hashtags and keywords, which improve search engine optimization and help you attract more people as followers.

 

Optimize your profile

To be successful on Instagram, it is not enough to simply create a business profile. You should also breathe life into your account and have a presence on the social network.

 

Make your profile public and add other brand-relevant links in addition to a profile picture. So that your customers can find you, you should also specify a location such as your company headquarters.

 

Use Instagram keywords

Instagram SEO keywords are handy because they appear in the app's search results. So think of a concise target keyword that fits your business. Example: If you are a freelance artist, you should choose a keyword that contains terms such as "artist" or "art".

 

Integrate strategic hashtags

Hashtags are valuable, additional keywords that play an important role in the Instagram cosmos. If the hashtags match your posts, you can use the keywords to draw new users' attention to your brand. Ideally, limit yourself to three to five hashtags that aptly describe the content of your post.

 

Use subtitles and alt texts

A study came to the conclusion that around 80 percent of online users prefer to watch content with subtitles. Therefore, use the platform's subtitle tools when creating videos, stories and reels. In a way, this kills two birds with one stone, as you can include your target keywords at the same time. The same applies to the alt text function on Instagram.

 

Work together with partners

Successful companies are also well connected on social networks such as Instagram and Facebook. So don't just invest your time in new videos and photos, but also use the platform for your affiliate marketing.

 

Record joint Instagram stories, reels or live streams with your partners. With this online marketing strategy, you can boost your popularity, increase your visibility and - if you surround yourself with "experts" - strengthen the trust of your brand.