Instagram Update: Search and Explore

Today Instagram announced two very large updates. With over 70 million photos and videos posted a day with over 300 million users you will now be able to see what’s ‘going on’ all in one app.

Whether it’s the Firefly music festival, the Masters, or an event going on in your town, Instagram will be able to capture all of these moments. No matter how big or how small these moments are, they will now be a whole lot easier to find. 

The Explore page on Instagram has been completely revamped. Discovery is now a lot more immediate, and very direct. The new ‘Explore’ feature displays trends as they emerge in real time. This will give you the ability to connect you to photos, people, and conversations both locally and all around the world. Through the ‘Trending Tags’ and places you can experience the #independenceday or #NBAfinals from all different viewpoints. You literally get to experience the moment through the eyes of another user. Be there – without actually being there.

Instagram has also added several new-curated collections to the top of their Explore page. These will be updated regularly and will feature several different collections of titillating images and rich and unique imagery that will make you late for work because you stayed in bed too late scrolling your ‘Insta’ feed. Keep in mind – the update for the Explore page will only be available to the U.S. first as Instagram works to fine-tune it to work for the rest of the world.  

Another Cool Search Feature:

You can now pin point an exact location and pop your head in to literally see whats going on…virtually of course. Use this to scout out a hot new bar, what’s going on and who’s at the lake, or experience your favorite artist performing at a local venue – even if you couldn’t get tickets this year. 

Instagram for business? It's always a good idea. Give customers a peak into what your company culture is like, feature a hot new product, and engage and delight potential clients and customers. Oh yea, it's good for SEO too. 

Instagram for iOS version 7.0 is available today in Apple’s App Store, and Instagram for Android version 7.0 is available today in Google Play.

 Photos in post: www.forbes.com