Platform features across social media are always evolving and we’re here to fill you in on the latest updates on Instagram as of August 2025! From maximizing your audience engagement, streamlining your processes, updating your visual strategies, and more…let’s dive in on everything you need to know.

1. Trial Reels

Test your content! Some users can publish reels to non-followers first to see what performs best. Once you’ve tested your content through a trial reel, you can convert that post to be published on your main reels feed! This allows users to experiment with new ideas and free their creativity!

Note: This feature is currently only available to public accounts (business and creators included) with at least 1,000 followers.

2. Shared Access on Instagram

Collaboration meets security! Users can now grant other accounts limited access to manage their accounts, without sharing their passwords. This new feature revolutionizes the way creators, social media managers, and business owners manage accounts. Head to your profile and tap the three bars in the upper right corner. Under “Settings and activity” scroll down until you see a key icon titled “Shared access”. There you’ll be able to invite up to 3 people you trust to access your Instagram account. Users that share access to your account can post, like, and comment from that profile. If you have a professional account, shared users can run ads and view insights. You can also allow access to your inbox and stories (if you choose). They will NOT be able to disable your account, provide account access to others, or edit account information like your username, password, and contact information.

Note: This feature is only available for business or creator accounts and is slow to roll out. According to Instagram, “This feature is not available for teens, European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) audiences and may not be available to everyone.” If you think your account is eligible but you don’t see access in your account settings, make sure to update your app. If you still don’t have access, give it some time!

3. New Image Ratio

3:4 image ratio is here! In early 2025, Instagram launched a new vertical ratio layout for grid thumbnails, rather than the traditional 1:1, encouraging users to post 4:5 vertical images. Beginning in May 2025, feed posts can now be a 3:4 ratio—a size not previously accepted on Instagram. This updated ratio expands the vertical space on posts and matches the latest visual ratio for the grid.

Note: You can still post images/carousels at a 1:1 ratio or even landscape photos but the grid will crop the “thumbnail” to a 3:4 ratio. Keep this in mind when selecting/creating content.

4. AI

You can’t forget about Artificial Intelligence! AI’s role in Instagram becomes more prominent by the day. There are now even more AI features available in reels editing and story editing (like background expansion). With the rapid growth of AI, its features in Instagram are expected to continue to expand.

5. Rearrange Posts

The perfect grid, every time! If you long-hold on any posts on your main grid, you can now choose where it goes. This can be a valuable way to nail the aesthetic of your grid, prioritize content that you want your followers to see right away (without pinning posts), or move posts around if you accidentally post two pieces of similar visual content too close together!

6. Quiz/Poll Feature

Boost your engagement! Attach a poll or prompt to your post and ask your followers (or those who are served up your content) to answer a question or for their opinion. This is a great way to grow engagement, connect with your audience, or get feedback from potential customers!

7. Recaps & Celebrations

Eyes on the prize! Recaps offer personalized insights to help users succeed and feel more in-control on Instagram. Celebrations appear when users hit certain milestones (like follower count milestones or anniversaries). Sharing these celebrations can be a great way to engage and celebrate with your community of followers. Both of these new features aim to spotlight achievements, highlight growth, boost engagement, and make content more shareable!

8. Reposting Instagram Posts

Testing, testing! You can now repost someone else’s reels and/or posts to their followers (with the original creator’s permission) that will appear directly on the feed. This new feature is designed to allow creators and businesses to reach a wider audience. Show off UGC (user-generated content) from customers and fans, or promote employee content while still giving direct credit to the original creator. Reposted things also appear in a special place on your profile!

Note: This feature is still rolling out and isn’t available on all accounts yet!

9. Indexed by Google

We love SEO (Search Engine Optimization)! Your Instagram posts now play a role in your SEO, and can appear in a Google search! Use your captions wisely (but avoid a keyword salad) and don’t forget the alt text! Find “Write Alt Text” under “More Options” on a new post.

Note: Alt-text is designed specifically for accessibility — do not cram it full of keywords! Focus on describing the image for someone who is visually impaired.

10. Instagram Stories Updates

Captions and comments?! You can now add visible captions to stories (similar to feed posts). Viewers can also now leave visible, public comments on stories. Like the stories themselves, the comments are temporary and are only visible during the 24 hours while a story is up. This feature creates a new opportunity for fan/community engagement.

Note: If you have crucial information you need viewers to see, put it in the story directly! You don’t want to risk people missing that information.

Feeling overwhelmed with social media or not sure how to maximize it for your business? Contact us so we can discuss how we can help you show up and stand out in the world of social media!