In a nod to the Myspace era, Instagram has recently launched a new feature that allows users to add music to their profiles. This feature is a collaboration with singer Sabrina Carpenter, who teased her new song “Taste” on her Instagram profile ahead of her album release. Users can now add a song to their profile by going to “edit profile” and selecting titles from Instagram’s music library. Similar to choosing a song for Instagram Reels or Stories, users can select a 30-second segment of the tune by sliding left or right. However, unlike Myspace, the song does not play automatically upon visiting someone’s profile; instead, you must click on the play button first. Additionally, users have the ability to change or remove the song at any time by revisiting the “edit profile” section or tapping on the song on their profile.
Instagram’s Ongoing Innovations
Reports indicate that Instagram began experimenting with music on profiles in 2022. This new feature is designed to enhance user profiles by allowing them to express their musical preferences and showcase their creativity on the platform. Instagram first introduced the option to add music to Stories back in 2018. Subsequently, the app rolled out a feature that enabled users to add music to Notes and photo carousels. The addition of music to user profiles comes at a time when users are feeling nostalgic for the “good old days” of social networking. Various new apps are emerging, aiming to capture the essence of platforms like Myspace. Noplace, for example, is a text-based social app that caters to Gen Z users with customizable profiles featuring vibrant colors.
Competing with Alternative Social Media Platforms
It appears that Instagram is making an effort to keep up with the evolving landscape of social media and compete with emerging platforms that are seeking to establish themselves as the next big thing. Users are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional social media giants, leading to the rise of platforms like BeReal, Daylyy, Palmsy, Lapse, Whee, and others. By introducing features like the ability to add music to profiles, Instagram is likely striving to maintain its relevance and appeal to users who are looking for fresh and innovative social media experiences. As the platform continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Instagram adapts to changing user preferences and trends in the social media landscape.