The Instagram Updates You Can’t Ignore
Instagram has been busy rolling out features to help you connect with your audience, extend your content’s lifespan, and make your brand more discoverable. But here’s the thing: most business owners are missing a critical update from the last rollout — and it’s quietly cutting off your content, hurting your brand’s credibility, and tanking your reach.
Let’s break it down…
1. New Instagram Post Size: Stay Current or Get Cut Off
What it is:
Instagram’s current optimal post size is 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio) — but many brands are still using the old square format (1080 x 1080).
Why it matters:
If you’re still posting in the old size, Instagram will automatically crop your image. This means your text, graphics, or product shots could be cut off — damaging both your message and your brand’s visual credibility. Even worse, outdated sizing signals to the algorithm (and your audience) that you’re not keeping up with platform standards, which can hurt your reach.
Pro Tip:
Update your templates and Canva settings to 1080 x 1350 so you’re always posting at the correct size.
Keep important text and graphics away from the edges.
Always preview your post before publishing to catch any awkward cropping.
2. Reposts: Your Content Lives Longer
What it is:
You can now reshare public Reels and posts directly to your profile. These appear in a dedicated “Reposts” tab and are visible to your followers.
Why it matters:
Your best-performing content can have a longer shelf life, and you can strategically align reposts to spotlight collaborations, client wins, or seasonal promotions.
Pro Tip:
Reshare your top-performing posts to re-engage audiences who may have missed them the first time.
Spotlight testimonials, user-generated content, or collaborations to build trust.
Create a monthly repost plan to keep high-value content in rotation.
3. Friends Tab in Reels: Insider Audience Intel
What it is:
A new tab that shows the Reels your friends have liked, commented on, reposted, or created.
Why it matters:
Think of this as free market research. You can see exactly what your audience is engaging with — and then mirror those trends in your own content.
Pro Tip:
Watch for trending audio, hooks, and styles.
Repurpose popular formats your audience already loves.
4. Instagram Map: Location-Based Connection
What it is:
An opt-in location-sharing feature that allows you to share your current location with friends via an interactive map.
Why it matters:
For local businesses, this is a visibility goldmine. Imagine customers seeing you’re at a pop-up, launch event, or your store in real time.
Pro Tip:
Use during events and collaborations to boost foot traffic.
Pair with Stories and Reels for a complete “I’m here — come join me!” moment.
5. Enhanced Social Connectivity: From Followers to Community
Instagram’s latest updates focus on a deeper connection rather than pure content volume. They’re rewarding brands that create meaningful, shareable experiences — not just ads.
Action Steps for Businesses:
Balance your content mix: 50% value, 30% personality, 20% promotion.
Use polls, Q&As, and “tag us” campaigns to increase interaction.
Post consistently to maintain trust and visibility.
The Lisa Craig Marketing Takeaway
The brands that thrive on Instagram aren’t just posting, they’re posting with precision. That means using the correct sizes, leveraging the newest features, and building strategies that connect with your audience on multiple levels.
💡 Pro Marketing Tip 1: Don’t just try the updates. Integrate them. Your followers should see a seamless, intentional brand experience that evolves with the platform, not one that’s left behind.
💡 Pro Marketing Tip 2: Staying ahead of these technical updates isn’t just about looking good, it’s about maximizing every inch of your content real estate and making the algorithm work for you, not against you.
Ready to make the algorithm your ally? Lisa Craig Marketing can create a custom Instagram strategy that turns these updates into growth opportunities. Let’s talk.
