FACEBOOK INTRODUCE NEW FEATURES FOR INSTAGRAM ON THE ISLE OF MAN

The Department for Enterprise has been working closely with Facebook to introduce a range of new social media features for Isle of Man residents and businesses.  

From Tuesday 23rd March, several features including Instagram ‘Reels’ and ‘Music’ will be available for users on the Isle of Man, followed imminently by Facebook Marketplace and Instagram Shopping.

Instagram ‘Reels’ is a new way to create and discover short videos on Instagram, and allows users to film and edit up to 30 second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools, which can then be shared with their followers, and the wider Instagram community.

The introduction of a ‘Music’ functionality will be available to Isle of Man residents on both the Instagram and Facebook platforms and can be used on applications such as ‘Stories’ and ‘Reels’ allowing individuals and businesses to express themselves and their brands, share music, and add soundtracks to stand-out moments.

The news is also followed by the imminent release of ‘Instagram Shopping’ and ‘Facebook Marketplace’. Initially released in the UK in 2020, this powerful functionality will enable Isle of Man businesses to further adapt and widen their online offering throughout these challenging times.

‘Instagram Shopping’ provides users with an immersive full-screen storefront experience that enables businesses to build their brand story and drive product discovery. Users can ‘visit’ a shop from their news feed, or directly from a business' Instagram profile or Story and can browse products, explore collections and purchase products seamlessly all from within the app.

Similarly, ‘Facebook Marketplace’ allows individuals to buy and sell items, and enables businesses to sell a variety of goods and services ranging from retail items, property listings to event tickets. Using Facebook’s existing advertising functionality, businesses can also directly target audiences to increase reach, but also personalise the customer experience. ‘Facebook Marketplace’ can also be integrated with a number of ecommerce platforms such as Shopify.  

Business Isle of Man will make a further announcement when ‘Instagram Shopping’ and ‘Facebook Marketplace’ are available to Isle of Man residents.

To learn more about enabling shopping on your Instagram business account, visit Instagram’s setup guide here. To find out more about setting up a Facebook Marketplace for your business, visit Facebook’s business help centre here.