Just when you think you’ve got social media all figured out, Instagram likes to keep us on our toes with a wave of new features. Recently, the platform introduced not one, not two, but three brand-new updates – each with the potential to change the way we create, share, and engage with content.
So, we’ve taken a closer look at what’s new and pulled together this handy summary to help you stay ahead with your social media planning. You’re welcome!
Instagram Repost – Finally!
Instagram has (at last!) introduced a repost function, complete with its very own feed on each profile.
Why it matters:
- Any reposted content still belongs to the original creator, so likes, comments, and engagement stay with them.
- For brands and businesses, what you choose to repost says a lot about you – it reflects your values, tone, and voice.
- Right now, you can’t add your own caption or thoughts, so be mindful of what you’re amplifying.
Tip: When planning your content, think about what’s likely to be repost-worthy. What would your followers want to share with their own audience? What makes them look good? Try experimenting with different types of content and see what sticks.
Instagram Map – But With a Privacy Twist
This new feature lets users share their location in Stories, similar to Snapmaps.
Here’s the deal:
- It’s opt-in only, so it won’t happen automatically.
- You can choose who sees it – a custom list, your Close Friends, or people you follow back.
- Location tags only last for 24 hours and show the tagged place, not your live location.
That said, it’s worth a word of caution. If you tag your home workspace, you could be sharing your exact address with your chosen list. Always double-check before hitting “post”.
Instagram Friends Feed – What Everyone’s Engaging With
The final update is a new feed showing what reels your friends (or the people you follow) have liked, reposted, or commented on.
Why it matters:
- Your engagement is now more public – people can see exactly what you’re liking and commenting on.
- That means your brand content needs to be something your audience feels comfortable engaging with publicly.
- Encourage thoughtful comments – things that make your followers look smart, switched on, or ‘in the know’.
What This Means for Your Social Media Strategy
As with all new features, things will evolve, and we’ll get a clearer picture of how audiences use them over time. But for now, the key is to –
- Be aware of the changes.
- Test and tweak your content to see how your audience responds.
- Think about shareability and engagement in new ways.
Instagram may be keeping us on our toes, but these updates could open up fresh opportunities to connect with your audience – if you use them wisely.
Up Your Social Media Game with Piece of Cake Marketing
Want to make sure your social media strategy is always ahead of the curve? At Piece of Cake Marketing, we send two emails a month with top tips just like the ones above. You can SIGN UP HERE.
If you need to get in touch with us, just drop us an email to hello@pieceofcakemarketing.co.uk