What are Instagram Groups?
Also known as Group Profiles, Instagram Groups is a newer feature, which creates almost a group message in Instagram. Similar to Facebook Groups, in Instagram Groups, you can share content with different groups amongst the network.
Along with other features, Instagram is testing ways to improve direct messages, including the recent addition of Instagram Notes.
Keep reading to learn about how you can create them, share content in them, and what it means for us marketers. Keep in mind that since this feature is currently being rolled out, it’s still not accessible to all accounts.
How to find Instagram Groups
There are three different ways to access Group profiles which include: creating one yourself, being invited to a group or joining a public group.
Creating a new Group profile
If you decide to create the group yourself, you will automatically be the Admin of the group.
When you’re inside the app, you’re going to want to follow the following steps to see where these group profiles appear:
- Head to the Instagram app and to your profile page. In the top right corner, click on the Create (+) icon.
- Find the “Group profile” option and click into this option.
- Here you will see a new screen pop up, with prompts to add a group image, username, description and website.
- There will also be two options in Settings that you can toggle on or off: if you want to turn on Private group profile, and if you to Approve posts, where you can approve posts before they are sent to the group.
Adding members to a group
If you created the group yourself, you will have the ability to add other members into your group. To add other members, simply tap on the “Invite” button that you will see inside the group profile.
You can either search for a member, or choose from suggested profiles. Once a user has joined the group, you can change their settings and add them as another Admin.
Instagram Groups can have up to 5,000 members and 20 Admins.
Joining an Instagram Group
When it comes to joining a group, you have two options: asking to join a group or accepting an invitation to a group.
If you want to join a Group Profile, go to the Explore Page and search for the name of the group. If you don’t know which exact group you want to join, try using keywords or topics related to what you’re looking for.
Simply tap on “Join” and your request will be sent to the group admin. Once they approve your request, you will be automatically added to the group.
On the other hand, if you were invited to join a group profile, you will see a notification pop up in your direct messages, where you can decide to accept or reject the invitation.
Posting and receiving content in groups
After you have found the group you want to join, you will then be able to see posts sent by other group members. This is also the time to spark your creativity and share content with other group members.
Posts inside the group will appear in your feed, but the group posts will not show up on your personal profile page. When seeing the content, the group name will appear and underneath, the username that shared this content will also appear.
To add content:
- Tap on the + icon at the top of the group’s page
- A drop-down menu will appear, prompting you to select the content type. Choose from posts, stories and reels.
- You can then add a caption, tag other users, and select a location.
- Choose if you want the post to be shared to your profile or to the group.
- Click Share and you’re done!
Remember that the Admin may turn on the “Approve posts”, meaning that your content may need to be approved before being posted.
But, if your content is approved, just like normal posts, you can comment, like, share and save this content.
Are Instagram Groups worth using?
Although this feature is newer inside the network, it’s another way to share content with a closer-knit community. And whereas they may not be the most important necessity for your Instagram social media strategy, it could help you stay engaged with your audience and create more personal relationships with potential customers or clients.
Instagram groups can be great for sharing exclusive content, checking in with your community, finding new clients or gaining new insights or ideas from others.
If you have this new feature on your app, have you tried it yet? Let us know your thoughts below in the comments.
