Summer 2025 Instagram Updates
- Cait Henning
- Sep 16
- 7 min read
Instagram has been rolling out a lot of changes. Here’s a round up of updates you might have missed:
Linking Reels
Instagram’s new Watch Next button lets you link Reels together so your audience can keep watching without leaving your content. Think of it as creating your own mini-series, perfect for tutorials, recipes, or multi-part stories.
Why it matters: It boosts watch time, makes storytelling smoother, and gives businesses more chances to guide viewers toward action.
How to Use It
Plan a series, break your topic into short, connected Reels.
Add the Watch Next button so each Reel points to the next.
Backfill if needed, Edit older Reels to link once new parts are live.
TIP: Add “Part 1/2/3” labels or end screens that tell viewers to keep watching.
Add Collaborators After Posting
Ever hit “share” and realize you forgot to tag a collaborator? Now you can add them after your post is live. No more deleting and re-uploading. Just update the post and instantly share it to their feed too.
Why it matters: You expand reach, strengthen partnerships, and give your content a second wave of visibility without starting from scratch.
How to Use It
Post as usual.
Open the post, hit “Edit,” and add collaborators.
Once accepted, the post shows up on their feed as well.
TIP: Add collaborators later to revive older posts and give them new life.
Repost Button
Instagram’s new repost button lets you share other creators’ content straight to your profile, stored neatly in its own dedicated tab. That means your grid stays clean while reposts still have a home for your audience to explore.
Why it matters: You can boost engagement, highlight community content, and stay active without creating everything from scratch.
How to Use It
Choose content you want to repost.
Hit the repost button (two arrows) at the bottom of the post.
It will live in the reposts tab, not your main grid.
TIP: Use reposts for shoutouts, inspiration, or industry news. Let reposts complement your content, not replace it.
Rearrange Your Grid
Instagram now lets you shuffle the order of posts on your profile to design the feed you want people to see. No more stressing about upload order, you can move posts around to spotlight what matters most.
Why it matters: You control first impressions, keep your feed polished, and highlight seasonal or trending content without reposting.
How to Use It
Go to profile, open your grid and tap “Edit Grid.”
Drag and drop (move posts into the order you prefer).
TIP: Put launches, promos, or evergreen content at the top and refresh your grid layout to match campaigns or seasons.
Hashtags No Longer Boost Reach
Instagram has confirmed that hashtags no longer impact reach the way they used to. Instead, the algorithm prioritizes quality content, keywords, and recommendations to help people discover posts.
Why it matters: You can stop chasing hashtag hacks and focus on writing captions with natural keywords.
How to Use It
Use clear, descriptive language in your captions.
Sprinkle in keywords your audience would type into search.
Prioritize content that educates, entertains, or inspires.
TIP: Use hashtags sparingly for organization, not reach.
Share Reel Drafts Via DM's
You can now send Reel drafts directly through Instagram DMs to get quick feedback before posting. No more exporting files or juggling outside apps, collaboration happens right inside the platform.
Why it matters: It simplifies teamwork, speeds up the review process, and helps you publish with confidence.
How to Use It
Record and edit your Reel as usual.
Hit “Send as Draft” to share with teammates or friends.
Review comments and make any needed changes.
Post the final version once it’s approved.
Map Feature
Instagram’s new Map feature lets users explore and share locations right inside the app. From local shops to restaurants and event spaces, it’s designed to help people discover places through posts.
Why it matters: It gives businesses more visibility, supports local discovery, and makes it easier for followers to find and share your spot.
How to Use It
Tap the map icon on the 'Explore" page.
Browse the map and see whats trending nearby.
When posting tag the location and it will appear on the map.
TIP: Encourage followers to tag your business's location when sharing related content.
iPad App Launch
Instagram finally has its own iPad app with expanded tools, giving creators more room to edit, manage, and engage. No more squeezing everything onto a phone screen. This upgrade makes content creation feel smoother and more professional.
Why it matters: It’s easier to edit with precision, manage workflows on a bigger screen, and use Instagram as a serious business tool.
How to Use It
Install Instagram on your iPad.
Log in as usual and access all your accounts with a larger workspace.
Take advantage of the bigger screen for detailed editing.
Trial Reels Expansion
Instagram is expanding access to Trial Reels, letting more creators test how their content performs with new audiences before committing to a full push. It’s like a soft launch that helps you see what sticks.
Why it matters: You can experiment safely, gather insights, and adjust your approach without risking your entire content strategy.
How to Use It
Film and edit your reel as normal.
Select Trial option and share it as a Trial Reel to limited viewers.
Track performance by reviewing insights like reach and engagement.
Refine your content and re-share for full exposure.
Retention and Skip Rate Metrics for Reels
Instagram now shows Retention and Skip Rate metrics for Reels, giving you a clearer picture of how long people are watching and where they drop off. These insights help creators fine-tune content to keep viewers hooked.
Why it matters: You can spot weak points, improve storytelling, and boost overall watch time.
How to Use It
Open Reel analytics to view Retention and Skip Rate.
Identify where viewers are losing interest (drop-offs).
Strengthen intros or cut filler to hold attention.
TIP: Try new formats and measure improvements to improve retention rate.
Follower Drivers and Post Demographics Insights
Instagram now reveals which posts are actually driving new followers and breaks down audience demographics by content. This helps you see what’s attracting people and who those people are.
Why it matters: You can double down on what works, tailor content to your audience, and spot growth opportunities faster.
How to Use It
Open insights and check which posts are marked as follower drivers.
Analyze demographics by looking at age, gender, and location data by post.
Identify the content types that bring in new followers.
Create more of what attracts your ideal audience.
See When People Liked Your Reel
Instagram now shows the exact moments viewers hit “like” on your Reels. This lets you pinpoint which parts of your video are sparking engagement.
Why it matters: You can see what’s resonating, use those insights to shape future content, and replicate the moments that drive interaction.
How to Use It
Open your Reel analytics to view like timestamps.
Note where spikes in likes occur and study the content: Was it a joke, transition, reveal, or tip?
TIP: Lean into those elements in future Reels.
See Where People Liked Your Carousel
Instagram now tracks which slide of your carousel got the most likes. This helps you understand which images or graphics are truly catching attention.
Why it matters: You can refine carousel design, lead with stronger visuals, and tailor future posts based on what people respond to.
How to Use It
Review insights and check to see which slides pulled in the most likes.
Identify what visuals or messaging hit hardest.
Put high-performing styles earlier in the carousel.
Accounts Reached is Now Views
Instagram has swapped the “Accounts Reached” metric for a simpler “Views” count on Reels. This change clears up confusion by showing exactly how many times your video was watched.
Why it matters: It’s a clearer, more straightforward metric that helps you measure true visibility and track performance without guesswork.
How to Use It
See how many times your Reel has been played.
Track which topics or formats consistently get higher views.
TIP: Pair views insights with retention insights: Don’t just count views, check how long people stick around.
Clickable Links in Reels (Meta Verified)
Meta Verified users can now add clickable links directly inside Reels. Instead of sending viewers to your bio, you can guide them straight to a website, product, or sign-up page.
Why it matters: It shortens the path from viewer to action, makes CTAs more effective, and gives businesses a stronger way to drive traffic.
How to Use It
Make sure you’re signed up for Meta Verified.
Insert your clickable URL when creating a Reel.
Monitor clicks and conversions to see what works best.
TIP: Align the link with your call to action in the reel.
Posts Appear in Google Search
Instagram posts can now show up directly in Google Search results, giving your content reach beyond the app. This makes your profile and posts more discoverable to people who may not even be on Instagram.
Why it matters: It boosts visibility, strengthens your SEO presence, and helps your brand get discovered outside of social media.
How to Use It
Use keywords people might search for on Google.
Regular content increases chances of being indexed.
Watch for new site visits or inquiries coming from search.
TIP: Educational or evergreen posts are more likely to rank.
Auto Scroll Reels Options Being Tested
nstagram is testing an auto scroll feature that plays the next Reel automatically without users swiping. It’s designed to keep people watching longer and make viewing feel more seamless.
Why it matters: It increases chances of your content being seen, helps retention, and gives creators more passive exposure.
How to Use It
Keep content tight to hold attention as it auto-plays.
Link Reels with Watch Next for bingeable flow.
Watch metrics to see if auto scroll boosts your views.
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