From Instagram-dedicated photo pits at fashion week to cult favorite facial cleansers inspired by Instagram comments, the latest Instagram innovations highlight the ways in which brands are leveraging the platform to generate organic buzz, despite ever-increasing saturation within the lifestyle blogging medium.
Sonic Drive-In ran an experiential campaign at both Coachella 2016 weekends that let attendees order specially designed "square" milkshakes on Instagram. The user was able to have their milkshake delivered at the event and was aimed at promoting the brand's new premium milkshake menu.
Additionally, the omnipresence of the image-sharing platform can be seen influencing traditional mediums such as print advertising with campaigns, like the TV spot for Menlook that opted to create square-shaped visuals. The Instagram-inspired campaign featured popular users from the platform like Romain Costa, Quyen Mike and Tarek Q.
35 Instagram Innovations
From Instagram-Shoppable Milkshakes to Fashion Influencer Photo Pits:
Rebecca Byers — May 6, 2016 — Tech
35
Graphic Design Cookies
Holly Fox Transforms Her Digital Designs into Edible Artwork
34
Modeling Doll Campaigns
This Campaign Features a Doll of Derek Zoolander and Barbie on Instagram
33
Narrative Experiential Tv Campaigns
This Mr Robot Campaign Sent Fans Hunting for Hidden Cash Drops
32
Top Model Lipstick Collections
The Joan Smalls Lipstick Line for Estee Lauder Includes 12 Shades
31
Custom Dessert Campaigns
Talenti Uses Social Media to Match People to Favorite Ice Cream Flavors
30
Social Shopping Pop-Ups
Tanger Outlets Celebrates Its New Location with Fun Pop-Up Stations
29
Social Media Vending Machines
IHeartRadio's Kiosk Turns Instagram Posts into Free Merchandise
28
Robotic Dating App Stunts
This SXSW Tinder Marketing Stunt Used a Hot Robot to Promote Ex Machina
27
Fashion Influencer Photo Pits
Cadillac Fairview's CF Style Instapit Catered to Bloggers
26
Social Media Travel Guides
The Sherpa App Converts Instagram Accounts into Visual Travel Platforms
25
Athletic Instagrammer Editorials
Stylecaster Profiles Kayla Itsines and Her Athletic Style
24
Hater-Referencing Tour Tees
The Beyoncé Formation Tour Merchandise Calls Out Her Nay-Sayers
23
Interconnected Instagram Videos
Jägermeister's 'Insta-Hack' Plays with Videos on Instagram
22
Instagram-Shoppable Milkshakes
Sonic Will Serve Square Shakes Sold Through IG at Coachella
21
Custom Social Photo Algorithms
This New Instagram Update Could Change the Way Users Post Forever
20
Emoji Analysis Campaigns
Old Navy's Emoodji Reveals Insights Based on Popular Emoji Use
19
Social Media Magazines
Ballantine has Launched an Interactive Whiskey Magazine on Instagram
18
Digital-First Makeup Campaigns
The Makeup Brand NYX Infuses Crowd Sourcing into its Campaigns
17
Instagram-Inspired TV Ads
This TV Advertisement from Menlook is Constructed of Instagram Photos
16
Social Media Billboards
The First-Ever Instagram Advertising Campaign is Launching in France
15
Crowdsourced Beauty Cleansers
Glossier's New Gel Cleanser Was Developed with Help from Fans
14
Rooftop Instagram Stunts
This Nordstrom Instagram Campaign Takes Marketing to New Heights
13
Automated Social Marketing Tools
'Gram Growth' Streamlines Instagram Marketing for Fast Growth
12
Monochromatic Photo-Sharing Platforms
A Black and White Instagram Design is Currently Being Tested
11
Restructuring Social Media Platforms
Instagram Feeds are Changing to Focus More on Relevance
10
Recycled Photo-Sharing Features
The New Instagram Reshare Feature Lets Users Post Others' Content
9
In-App Escape Rooms
The TFSS Instagram Account Hosts an Interactive Escape Room Experience
8
Social Gen Z Platforms
Yoursphere is Customizable Social Media App for Tweens
7
Social Music Mixers
Miller Genuine Draft Created 'RemixGram' to Help Fans Make Music on Instagram
6
Animated Travel Campaigns
Eurostar is Using Creative Instagram Posts to Drive Engagement
5
Quirky Bee Campaigns
This 'Bring Back the Bees' Campaign Removes the Letter "B" on Social Media
4
Future-Focused Social Media Apps
The 'Willy' App Stores Posts and Shares Them in the Future
3
Heart-Sharing Campaigns
Dawca.pl's Health Social Media Campaign Encourages Users to Share Likes
2
Competitor-Tracking Apps
This Unmetric App Allows Brands to Set Up Social Media Tracking
1
Filmic Adventure Campaigns
TSFF's Instagram Lets Users Direct Their Own Story in Silent Film
Related Ideas
Social App-Connected Smartglasses
The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Can Now Post onto Instagram
Idyllic Pet Pop-Ups
Uber Eats and PetSmart Created "The Best Pet House Ever"
AI Dish Recreation Tools
WeChef Uses AI To Transform Instagram Posts To Step-by-Step Recipes
AI-Powered Digital Avatars
Instagram Now Allows Users to Create Their Own AI Avatars
AI-Generated Real-World Transformations
AI-Artist Who Gives a Unique Design to Real Objects
GenAI Flip Phone Campaigns
Motorola's Styled with Moto Features AI-Generated Virtual Models
Fast Food-Inspired Nail Kits
The Nails Inc x McDonald’s Collab Plays with Famous Menu Items
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Digital Cosmetics Pop-Ups
Oh My Cream! Launched a Digital Pop-Up to Showcase Nine Brands
Naturalistic Taco Stand Campaigns
Coca-Cola Launched a Street Photography Campaign in Norway
TV Series-Inspired Ice Creams
Häagen-Dazs Has Partnered with the Emily in Paris Television Series
Purposeful Consumer-Focused Campaigns
IKEA's Sleepfluencers Campaign is a Clever Way to Give Back
Advanced Social Advertising Tools
Invoca is Now Integrated with Pinterest, Snapchat, & TikTok
AI Food Photography Apps
MenuSnap Helps Restaurants Capture, Edit & Optimize Images
AI-Generated Soup Can Art
The Campbell’s 'pAIntings' Initiative is Inspired by Artistic Greats
Athletic Apparel Interactive Billboards
Gymshark Unveils the Shoplift Campaign Ahead of Sale
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Seasonal Phone Booth Activations
Spotify's Q4 is Calling Urges Brands to Start Holiday Advertising
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Provocative AR Campaigns
NotCo's 'Not So Happy Animals' Presents Food Logos in a New Light
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Sticker-Creating Social Tools
Instagram Releases a New Sticker Creation Feature for Creators
Content-Inspired Physical Retail Experience
Netflix House Creates a Space for Fans to Buy Merch
Immersive Gondola Displays
ColourPop is Getting a New Immersive Makeover at ULTA
Immersive Entertainment Venues
Netflix Houses Feature Eateries, Experiential Activities & More
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Food-Inspired Interactive Booths
The Nourishing a Better Planet Sustainability Program Debuted
Consumer-Driven Cafe Menus
The New Costa Coffee Menu Has Hot Milkshakes and More
Pizzeria-Branded Shake Pop-Ups
Domino’s Shake Stand is Located in the Omotesando Area in Tokyo
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Inspiring Multi-Shop Pop-Ups
Pinterest's Possibility Place Immerses Guests in Inspiration
Smoothie-Inspired Denim
Icon Denim's Smoothie Capsule Collection Mixes Lilac & Cream
Offbeat Fashion Campaigns
ASOS 'Inspired By' Delivers Non-Traditional Inspiration to Style-Seekers
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
Social Video Reaction Apps
The 'Seen' App Lets Users Capture Footage of Themselves Viewing Content
Pet Brand Influencer Campaigns
Cult Food Science & Further Foods Boost Visibility of Noochies!
Fashion AI Platforms
AI Fashion Concierege App 'Aesthetic' Creates a Tailored Shopping Experience
AI-Powered QSR Campaigns
allplants Leverages AI To Transforms Fast-Food Ads
Shoppable CPG Ads
Instacart-Powered Shoppable Video Ads are Coming to YouTube
Exclusive Social Shopping Snacks
Like Air is Launching Limited-Time Flavors on TikTok Shop
AI-Generated QSR Items
McDonald's India Asks Fans to Create its Signature Collection with AI
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Hydration-Branded Ice Cream Trucks
Liquid I.VV.® Debuts Its Ice Cream Truck Tour
College-Inspired Haircare Pop-Ups
Monday Haircare Hosted an Interactive Pink Truck
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Hyper-Targeted Shoppable Posters
Glossier and Shop Launched Posters with Geo-Gated Location Tech
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Shoppable Travel Storefronts
Expedia Travel Shops Make It Easy to Book Recommended Getaways
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
AI-Powered Fintech Tools
Square Introduces Ten New Generative AI Features for Content Creation
Evening Milkshake Promotions
Sonic is Launching a Half Price Shakes Promotion for the Summer
AR Yogurt Packaging
Chobani's Interactive Yogurt Packaging Engages Snackers for Halloween
Idol Singer Breakfast Promotions
Mos Burger Offers Dining Experience with Idols via AR
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Expanded Food Delivery Apps
Instacart Partners with Uber Eats to Expand its Delivery Services
Interactive Connected Packaging
Asahi Beverages Philippines Debuts a New Experience
Creator-Friendly Initiatives
Patreon Lights Up Times Square with Creator-Centric Billboard
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
AI-Powered Music Remixing Apps
Sprite is Reprising its Limelight Music Platform for Consumers
Autonomous QSR Meal Deliveries
Serve Robotics Will Star Delivering Shake Shack Uber Eats in LA
Retro Family Photoshoots
Blue Bunny is Inviting Families to Pop-Up 90s-Themed Photoshoots
Collaborative Digital Coffee Campaigns
illy Launches its Digital Content Series 'Coffee Break'
Virally Inspired Virtual Menus
The Creator's Kitchen As Seen on TikTok Menu is Ever-Changing
Donut Inspired Ad Campaigns
Dunkin' Donuts New Ad Campaign is Called Dunkin'Terns
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Pumpkin-Inspired Community-Themed Campaigns
Danone North America Debuts the Tri Pumpkin Campaign
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
E-Commerce Advertising Solutions
Reddit is Enhancing its Reach with the New Dynamic Product Ads
Influencer-Focused Social Platforms
Later Launches an AI-Powered Social Listening Tool
Social Soda Mixer Campaigns
Level Up With 7UP Inspires Gen Z and Millennial Consumers
Instagram Hashtags Generators
TwoOrbits' Tool Uses AI and Machine Learning to Help Creators
Minimizing Phone Usage Initiatives
Heineken's Latest Campaign Addresses Phone Use at Music Events
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Imaginative Shopping Platforms
Walmart Realm Shares Influencer-Curated Shopping Environments
Influencer Snack Bar Campaigns
Nature Valley Launches a Social-Oriented Digital Marketing Campaign
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Gamified Shopping Carts
Instacart Unveils New Updates to its Smart Shopping Carts
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Louis Vuitton Delivers Resort 2024 with an Interactive Experience
Bathing-Inspired Pop-Ups Bars
The #DoveDeluxeBar Shares Sensorial Cocktails & Mocktails
Communication App Shopping Experiences
WhatsApp Flows Allow for In-App Booking and Shopping
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
Social Media Impact Studies
Instagram Allows COS to Conduct Mental Health Research
Drive-In Chains Drink Expansions
Sonic's New Line Flavorista Favorties Boasts Six Flavors
AI-Powered Marketing Solutions
BrandPilot AI Unveils a New Marketing Campaign Management App
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Playful QSR Campaigns
Cossette Forms the New McDonald's Campaign to Closest Restaurant
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Interactive Juice Packaging
Gulf Union Foods Launched Fun Connected Packaging for its Juices
AI-Powered Food Platforms
Samsung Food Offers Access to Recipes and More
Resourceful Digital Platform Events
Meta will Host an Immersive Instagram Family Pop-Up in NYC
Australian Yogurt Campaigns
Yoplait Launches a New Platform and Marketing Campaign with AJF
Hockey-Focused Influencer Campaigns
Great Clips Introduces the ‘Show Your Flow’ Campaign
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Teen-Protecting Social Media Features
Meta Expanded its 'Limit' and 'Restrict' Instagram Tools
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Aesthetic Stock Platforms
Dupe Photos Offers Social Media-Style Imagery for Modern Brands
Drone Marketing Initatives
LEGO Takes to the Sky with Drone Show and Aerial Messages
Influencer Management Tools
Ogilvy Offers a Safety and Risk Management Tool for Marketing Brands
Mood-Reflective Sonic Sounds
Instagram Presents Sonic Identity for Reels as a Single Sound
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Advanced Retail Campaign Kiosks
Freeosk and Place Exchange Partnered for Integrated Campaigns
Digital Social Sharing Spaces
The Shilo App Invites Users to Share and Curate What They Love
Unskippable Instagram Ad Updates
Instagram Tests Ads That Can't Be Skipped
Mango-Scented Newspaper Ads
Swiggy Instamart Launched a Scented Campaign in the Times of India
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
AI-Powered Influencer Searches
Vidovo Launches a Influencer Discovery Feature with AI Capabilities
Third-Party Coupon Providers
Instacart Taps Ibotta to Provide Customers with Digital Coupons
Secondary Social Media Features
Instagram is Rolling out the Flipside Feature On User Profiles
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
Gourmet Collaboration QSR Menus
The Shake Shack x Ikoyi Menu is Only Available in London
Dynamic Interest Social Platforms
Palette Let's People Curate Their Likes However They Please
Influencer Flexitarian Campaigns
Violife Launched an Influencer Campaign Aimed at Flexitarians
Social Sticker Features
Instagram Unveils the New Sticker Features for Stories and Other Content
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Secondary Social Profile Features
Instagram Previews a New Flipside Feature for Private Posting
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Social Media Dating Profiles
LikeLike Scans Your Instagram to Find Romantic Matches
Plant-Based Coffee Campaigns
Minor Figures Launches the 'Dairy Disloyalty' Awareness Campaign
Safety-Oriented Social Tools
Instagram Aims to Protect Vulnerable Teens with its New Safety Update
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Creative Collaboration Clubs
Dazed Has Launched a New Social Media App Called Dazed Club
Live Shoppable Streams
CommentSold Introduces a New Shopify Feature for Live Shopping
Social Media Visibility Boosting
Instagram hashtags is a Free Service to Enhance Your Instagram
Generative AI Beverage Ads
The Coca‑Cola® Masterpiece Campaign Leverages AI to Create Visual Magic