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Instagram continues to innovate to offer content creators and brands new tools to improve user engagement and trust. The latest Instagram innovation: testimonials, a feature that could well transform the way users interact with businesses and influencers.

This development is part of a strong trend: the need for authenticity and transparency on social networks. Thanks to testimonials, Instagram aims to build consumer trust, stimulate engagement and offer brands an additional lever to boost their influencer strategy.

But what exactly is this new feature? How can you use it effectively for your brand or influencer strategy? In this article, 18h08, influence marketing agency explains everything in detail and gives you the best strategies for integrating Instagram testimonials into your digital communication.

1. What are Instagram testimonials?

This new Instagram feature lets users share reviews and authentic experiences directly on the profiles of businesses and influencers. Inspired by the recommendations found on Facebook or LinkedIn, this feature aims to bring more credibility to creators and brands.

How does it work?

• Users can leave a testimonial directly on a brand or influencer's profile.
• These testimonials appear as pinned posts in a new dedicated section.
• Companies and influencers can highlight specific testimonials to display the most relevant feedback.
• Testimonials can include text, photos and videosreinforcing the immersive and authentic aspect of the testimonial.
• A validation and moderation system to avoid false reviews and irrelevant content.

2. Why is Instagram launching this feature?

With the rise of customer reviews and influencer marketing, Instagram has understood the importance of authenticity in social interactions. More and more consumers are hesitating to buy a product or service without reading user testimonials.

5 reasons to develop testimonials :

• Reducing user distrust of advertising and product placement.
• Combating false reviews and non-transparent collaborations.
• Providing a trusted space where customers and subscribers can share their experience without going through the traditional commentary.
• Increase engagement and time spent on the platform by offering more personalized interaction.
• Giving more weight to influencers and content creators by highlighting their relationship with their subscribers.

This new Instagram feature could therefore play a key role in the way brands build their online reputation.

3. What are the benefits of Instagram testimonials?

Integrating testimonials on Instagram has several benefits for businesses, influencers and users.

For brands :

• Enhanced credibility testimonials are a sign of confidence for prospects.
• Better engagement Users interact more with real-life experiences than with traditional advertising.
• A powerful conversion tool Convincing testimonials can directly influence a purchasing decision.
• Highlighting loyal customers Giving consumers a voice satisfies audiences and encourages loyalty.
• An alternative to Google reviews and Trustpilot Centralizing customer feedback directly on the platform means users don't have to search for reviews elsewhere.

For influencers:

• Proof of expertise and legitimacy Receiving positive testimonials reinforces the image of a content creator.
• A way of attracting new partnerships with brands by highlighting successful collaborations.
• Enhanced engagement with the community Responding to testimonials and interacting with subscribers further humanizes the relationship.
• A key argument for negotiating contracts with brands Positive testimonials can serve as social proof.

4. How to use Instagram testimonials in an influencer marketing strategy?

The Instagram novelty of testimonials can be a strategic lever in an influencer campaign. Here are a few best practices to maximize their impact.

a) Integrating testimonials into ambassador campaigns

Brands that collaborate with influencers can encourage subscribers to leave testimonials about their experience with a product or service. This provides additional social proof and encourages other users to trust the brand.

Here we give you 5 tips for a successful influencer campaign with ambassadors.

b) Using testimonials as social proof in advertising

Brands can repost testimonials in their sponsored publications. A positive testimonial often has more impact than a simple ad, and reassures potential consumers.

c) Create UGC (User Generated Content) content

Video or photo testimonials left by customers or subscribers can be integrated into a brand's stories and publications. This humanizes the company and highlights a real, sincere customer experience. Find out more about UGC strategies on Instagram right here.

d) Respond actively to testimonials

Interaction is essential on Instagram. Responding to testimonials, thanking followers and highlighting certain reviews creates a close relationship with the audience and encourages other users to do the same and share their experience. It also helps to retain your subscribers and keep your community growing.

e) Integrating testimonials into reinsurance strategies

Brands can create dedicated pages on their site with the best Instagram testimonials, reinforcing social proof and therefore conversion and customer reassurance.

5. What types of brands can benefit from Instagram testimonials?

Some industries can benefit considerably from this new Instagram feature:

• E-commerce E-commerce: online stores can use customer reviews to boost their conversion rate.
• Beauty and cosmetics testimonials provide reassurance about product effectiveness.
• Fashion and accessories Fashion and accessories: users can share their looks and styles with the brand's clothes.
• Travel and hospitality Travelers can recount their stay, enhancing the credibility of a hotel or destination.
• Services and coaching A great way to use customer reviews to win over new prospects.

6. Instagram and the future of testimonials: what developments to expect?

Instagram regularly tests new features to improve user experience and content monetization. Testimonials could evolve in several directions:

• Paid promotion of testimonials brands could sponsor certain testimonials to increase their visibility.
• Integrated rating A star rating system could be added to make customer feedback even clearer.
• Verification of testimonials Instagram could introduce filters to combat false testimonials and guarantee the authenticity of reviews left.
• Instagram shopping integration Instagram: testimonials could be linked directly to product sheets, facilitating the transition to purchase.

Conclusion

This new Instagram feature represents a major breakthrough in influencer marketing and customer relations. This tool will enable brands and influencers to enhance transparency, increase engagement and improve consumer trust.

Whether you're a company looking to lend credibility to your products or an influencer looking to add value to your community, Instagram testimonials are an opportunity not to be missed.

Would you like to integrate this new feature into your digital strategy? Contact us at for personalized advice on how to make the most of this new feature.

We've already worked with Burger King, Booking, Oysho, Décathlon... So why not you?

See you soon to perfect your influencer marketing strategy!