Eight Instagram Features and Settings Brands Should Be Using

Instagram is constantly adding new features, each aimed at enhancing the way brands connect with audiences. Here’s a rundown of eight powerful tools every brand account should tap into to maximize their impact on Instagram.

1) Saved Replies

The Saved Replies feature allows you to store and reuse responses, helping streamline communication with your followers. Not only does this save a ton of time, it also creates consistency in your messaging. Some common ones used among Rose & Salt Social clients include responses for requests to collaborate, booking or reservation information, and contact information. Simply go to Settings > Business tools and controls > Saved Reply to set it up.

2) Carousel Posts

Carousel posts allow you to share up to 20 photos or videos in a single post, letting followers swipe through your content. They’re ideal for showcasing multiple products, telling a story, or diving deeper into a topic. According to Meta, carousel posts can get 3.1 times more engagement and 1.4 times more reach than other posts (reels, graphics, or static posts).

3) Highlights

Stories Highlights allow you to keep top-performing or crucial stories available on your profile beyond the typical 24-hour limit. Brands can organize Highlights to showcase FAQs, various menus, reviews, events, PR feature, and promotions. Think of it as a “mini-website” on your Instagram profile that provides easy access to your most important information.

4) Post Notes & Thoughts

One of Instagram's newer feautres is the ability to "Add Note" to any post and "Drop a though" on your profile. These two features look similar but operate differently. The "Add Note" on posts allows your friends to see a note on a post for a temporary amount of time (currently three days). The purpose of this is that you can comment on content in a way that's not as public or permanent as the actual comments. If you "Drop a thought" or "Share a Song" on your profile, it serves as a temporary status update to your followers who you follow back.

5) Collaboration Posts

Instagram’s “Collab” feature lets you co-author posts with another account, displaying the content on both profiles and sharing likes, comments, and engagement. For brands, this is perfect for influencer partnerships, brand collaborations, or campaigns with complementary businesses. Collaboration posts increase reach and visibility by tapping into both audiences and boosting social proof. To create a Collab post, tag your partner in the post and invite them to collaborate—it’s a great way to multiply your engagement.

6) Link Profile to Shops

If you’re an e-commerce business, Instagram’s Shops feature is a must. By linking your profile to your shop, you make it easier for users to browse products directly on Instagram without leaving the app. Brands can tag products in posts and stories, creating a seamless shopping experience. Instagram Shops also support product discovery through the Explore tab, which increases brand visibility to a wider audience. Set up your shop through Meta Business Suite.

7) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The FAQ feature, available in DMs, allows you to add up to four questions that followers can click on to get immediate answers. It’s a simple way to address common questions and save time on repetitive inquiries. This could include shipping details, return policies, or location hours. Setting up FAQs in your DMs makes it easy for users to find answers quickly, freeing you up to handle more complex questions. Go to Settings > Business tools and controls > Frequently Asked Questions to set it up.

8) Media Quality Settings

Visual quality matters, especially for brands. Media Quality Settings in Instagram’s app ensure that your photos and videos upload at the highest quality possible. To access this, go to Settings > Account > Data Usage > High-Quality Uploads.

Incorporating these Instagram features and settings can improve your brand’s professionalism, cohesiveness, accessibility, efficiency, engagement, and reach. Create your FAQs, Saved Replies and Highlights asap if you don't have them already! Turn on your High Quality uploads, and start planning some ways your can incorporate collaboration or carousel posts in your content this month.