Instagram Rolls Out ‘Testimonials’: A New Revenue Stream for Creators

Instagram has officially launched Testimonials, a new text-based partnership ad format that allows content creators to monetize their endorsements. Announced on Thursday, this feature enables brands and influencers to collaborate on paid advertisements that appear as sponsored comments on promotional posts.

Unlike traditional influencer ads that rely on video or image-based content, Testimonials are text-only endorsements, providing a quicker and simpler way for creators to generate revenue.

What Are Instagram Testimonials?

According to Meta's latest blog post, Testimonials are:
✅ Short, written endorsements with a limit of 125 characters
✅ Pinned sponsored comments on brand posts
✅ A way for creators to charge more for brand deals
✅ A tool to increase creator reach and credibility

To participate, influencers can write a brief endorsement about a brand’s product or service. The brand then attaches this testimonial to its ad, where it appears as a sponsored comment pinned at the top.

Meta claims that 40% of Instagram users consider creator recommendations before purchasing a product, making Testimonials a highly effective marketing tool for brands.

However, one drawback is that performance insights for Testimonials will only be available to brands, not the creators. Influencers must rely on brand partners to share engagement data and optimize future campaigns.

Instagram’s Latest Features: More Ways to Engage Users

Besides Testimonials, Instagram has rolled out several new features to enhance the user experience. These include:

1. Upgraded Direct Messaging (DM) Features

🔹 Message Translation: Users can translate messages into different languages in private chats.
🔹 Message Scheduling: Allows users to schedule messages for later delivery.
🔹 Music Previews in Chats: Share music snippets with friends without leaving the chat.

2. Improved Group Chat Functionality

🔹 Chat Pinning: Users can now pin specific chats for quick access.
🔹 QR Code Group Invitations: Instead of manually adding members, users can now generate a QR code for group chats, allowing new members to scan and join instantly.

Latest  Instagram updates

Major Instagram Trends:

• AI Integration: Instagram is heavily investing in AI. Expect to see more AI-powered features for content creation (think AI stickers, enhanced editing tools), content discovery, and even potentially AI-driven shopping experiences.  

• Reels Reign Supreme: Reels are still a massive focus. Instagram is likely to keep adding features to make Reels more engaging and competitive with TikTok. This could include more audio options, interactive elements, and easier ways to collaborate with other creators.
• DM Enhancements: Direct Messages are becoming more than just chat. Instagram is adding features to make DMs a hub for connection, potentially including more interactive features, richer media sharing, and even integration with other Meta platforms.  
• Creator Tools: Instagram wants to keep creators happy. Expect updates to the Professional Dashboard, more monetization options, and tools to help creators understand their audience and grow their reach.  

Specific Recent Updates (as of late 2024/early 2025):

• DM Features: Recent updates include message translation, music stickers, scheduled messages, and more.  
• Trial Reels: A new way to test content with non-followers to see what performs best.  
• Broadcast Channel Updates: Enhancements to broadcast channels to help creators better understand and collaborate with their audience.  
• Content Recommendations Reset: Testing a way for users to reset the content recommendations they see in Explore, Reels, and Feed.  
• AI Safety Features: New ways to combat scams and help restore access to compromised accounts, including education campaigns to protect teens.  
• "Edits" App: A new video editor app is being previewed that looks set to include a range of AI functions.  
• Profile Grid Rearrangement: Instagram is testing an option to rearrange profile grid displays.  

Keep in Mind:

• Things change FAST: Instagram is constantly experimenting. Features are often tested with small groups before wider release (or they might get scrapped entirely).  
• Official Sources are Key: For the most up-to-date info, follow the official Instagram blog, Adam Mosseri (head of Instagram) on Threads, and reputable social media news sites.

To stay on top of the very latest, 

• Instagram Blog: https://about.instagram.com/blog/

Conclusion: Instagram Expands Monetization & Engagement Tools

Instagram’s introduction of Testimonials marks a significant shift in influencer marketing by providing a quick and efficient way for creators to earn money through text-based endorsements. This new ad format allows influencers to collaborate with brands by posting sponsored comments, making it easier for businesses to leverage creator credibility for product promotions.

While Testimonials offer a new revenue stream, creators will need to rely on brands for performance insights, which could limit their ability to optimize future campaigns. However, with 40% of Instagram users considering creator recommendations before making purchases, this feature is expected to boost engagement and brand trust.

Alongside Testimonials, Instagram’s new DM and group chat features further enhance user experience, making the platform more interactive and accessible. As Meta continues to innovate, Instagram remains a powerful tool for creators, brands, and businesses looking to expand their reach and monetize content effectively.