Instagram Is Changing (Again) — Here’s What You *Actually* Need to Know
We know, we know. Another Instagram update? Honestly, it’s starting to feel like the platform changes faster than we can finish writing a caption. But this time, the changes are actually… kind of useful?
From deeper insights to discovery tools that might have been borrowed from Snapchat and TikTok (👀), we’re breaking down what’s new, what’s helpful, and what you can skip.
Let’s get into it.
A Monthly Recap... In Your Notifications???
Okay, this one is kind of genius.
You may have missed this but please promise us you’ll go back and look!!! When you open your notifications tab, you’ll see a summary of how your account did last month. Think of it like a report card — but one that actually helps you grow. It includes things like:
Top-performing content
How your content performed month-over-month (with actual percentages!)
The best times to post
Audience engagement stats
It's basically Instagram saying, “Hey bestie, here’s where you crushed it and where you might wanna show up more.” And honestly? We love accountability.
Use this as a quick gut check each month. If engagement dipped or content flopped, adjust. If something popped off? Double down. You're running a business — treat your content like your storefront.
Deeper Engagement Metrics (The Nerdy Stuff We Love)
There’s a new layer of insight that lets you see exactly where people are engaging with your content:
Which image in your carousel people are “liking” the post
Where in your Reel people are tapping the heart button
This might sound small, but it’s a game-changer for content strategy. Instead of guessing what your audience likes, now you know. That first photo in your carousel? It better be scroll-stopping. That Reel moment everyone loves? Use it again — or remix it with a different message. Data is power, and this update puts more of it in your hands.
The “Meh” Features (Do We Really Need These?)
Now for the stuff that makes us raise an eyebrow.
Instagram is rolling out some new “friend-centric” features — things like a friends tab to see just what your friends are up to, an IG map that helps you find your friends IRL (???), and a repost button that reshares a post to your feed that feels awfully similar to TikTok. They’re clearly trying to reclaim their spot as the place to connect with friends... but let’s be honest, it feels a little Snapchat circa 2016
We’re not saying these updates are useless — they just might not serve your business. And that’s okay! Not every feature needs to be for everyone. Test them if they feel aligned, skip them if they don’t. You’re allowed to say “no thanks” to the noise.
What Does This Actually Mean for You?
Here’s the TL;DR: Instagram is (finally) doing a better job helping creators and business owners understand what’s working.
We’re seeing a shift toward:
Smarter analytics
More transparency
Increased tools for connection (albeit slightly copycat ones)
If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about what to post, use these tools to your advantage. Revisit what performed well last month. Check your timing. See what people are engaging with. And don’t let the extra fluff distract you — stay focused on what actually grows your business.
The algorithm isn’t out to get you. You just need to know how to play the game.
Want us to help you actually use these features strategically? You know where to find us.
