Instagram is trying to make it easier for creatives to receive credit for their work on Reels

Proper crediting has long been an issue across the creative world. But the issue is nowhere more pertinent than Instagram, where acknowledgement of the work of emerging creatives is often avoided, and occasionally even refused, by more established voices in the industry. After launching enhanced tags for posts in March, the platform is hoping to curtail issues around crediting with the continuing rollout of enhanced tags for Reels – an area of the site that features frequent collaboration but even less visibility when it comes to tagging options.

As for what the feature means, enhanced tags allow users to tag a creator’s self-designated profile category – for example, photographer, creative director, illustrator, graphic designer – within a post or Reel, meaning audiences can share and view a creator’s specific contribution to a project. “Simply put,” Instagram explains in a release, if you’re a “significant collaborator on a post, your contributions will be more visible in the post or Reel”.

“Proper creative credit and recognition is a starting point for discovery, new opportunities and economic empowerment,” the release continues. “For many Black and underrepresented creators, crediting is an entryway to building a sustainable career as a creator, while combating cultural appropriation and ensuring that the world knows who is driving culture.”

While clear tagging undoubtedly offers emerging and underrepresented creators proper exposure for their work, the release can only do so much to curb the malpractices of much of the creative industry in this area. The feature, for example, can not ensure crediting is offered from the get-go in a post or Reel nor does it offer advancements on the report feature, for improper use of a creative’s work. From previous instances of Black-owned fashion brands relying on the online community to point out improper crediting, the etiquette surrounding crediting also requires overhaul on the site.

While there still may not be a solution for this issue, or more blatant forms of repurposing of creative property on the platform, for anyone posting a collaborative creative project, the use of enhanced tags is a crucial step forward. Here’s how to do it. After creating an Instagram Reel and writing a caption, tap Tag People; Select Add Tag and search and select your contributors; Tap Show profile category to display the creator category; Tap Done. Easy.

Let us know what you think of the new feature and what more needs to be done, through our social channels or by emailing lg@itsnicethat.com.