The end of the year is quickly approaching, but Instagram isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Instagram announced that they’re getting serious when it comes to “in authentic activity” on the platform; changing the API. There have been too many misuse sand hacking incidents in the past and Instagram doesn’t want to chance it any longer.
Reference Guide:
API: application programming interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications.
Instagram API: the tool that allows apps to collect photos or videos with a specific hashtag from public Instagram profiles.
| Change Is Coming But Here Is What You Can Do
The new API will alter how users can collect content by using a specific hashtag search. Currently (until December 11th 2018) users were able to collect data by a certain hashtag and Instagram would allow you to see usernames and location of each photo with that hashtag. With the new API, users will still be able to perform hashtag searches just with more boundaries and rules.
In short, privacy trends are reducing shared data from Instagram hashtag searches.
The new API will only let you track 30 hashtags each week.So unfortunately using an unlimited amount of hashtags to help you track and monitor your brand or competition will cease to exist. Along with that, you will only have 24 hours to access the content from a specific hashtag. We suggest refining your strategy to help combat this change.
Will you still be able to run successful hashtag contests through Instagram? Yes, just a little differently.
Instead of relying on hashtags,engage and encourage your users to tag your brand using your handle (@mention)along with the hashtag. Be transparent as why this is important in future campaigns so users have no issues when trying to participate in any contests or giveaways through your Instagram page. This will be the best practice for having a successful hashtag contest via Instagram with the new API.
When user’s @mention your Instagram handle along with said hashtag, you will capture the username of that person(in the right way) and you will be able to create a connection between your brand and that specific user – creating a trusting relationship through social.That is what we want, right?
When it comes to social media, changes are inevitable and the best thing to do is understand them, adapt, and create a new plan of action for your strategy. Roll with the punches, they say.