But not every update actually matters.
So, here are a few Instagram updates and reminders that I think are actually worth knowing about and, more importantly, how I’d recommend using them as a business.
You don’t have to edit everything inside Instagram
One thing I see businesses worrying about all the time is whether they have to edit their content inside Instagram for it to perform well.
You don’t.
Whether you prefer CapCut, Canva, Premiere Pro or another editing app, use whatever works best for you and your content.
There’s no reason to make your content creation process harder just because you think Instagram will somehow favour content edited within the app.
The one thing I would avoid is having a visible watermark from another platform or editing app, as this can make your content feel less polished and can sometimes impact how it is distributed.
The takeaway? Use the tools that make creating good content easier for you.
Stop reposting your winners
This is one I really want businesses to take notice of.
Had a post that performed really well?
Amazing. But instead of simply reposting the exact same piece of content, look at why it worked.
Was it the topic?
The hook?
The format?
The subject?
Was it relatable?
Did it answer a question your audience has?
Once you know what made the original post successful, create a new version.
You could use the same topic with a completely different hook, turn a carousel into a Reel, use a different example or approach the subject from another angle.
Same topic. Different execution.
Your best-performing content is basically giving you clues about what your audience wants more of, so listen to it.
Stop obsessing over the perfect posting time
Yes, you should absolutely look at your Instagram Insights and understand when your audience is most active.
But please don't spend hours stressing over whether you need to post at 6pm instead of 7pm.
Posting at the perfect time isn't suddenly going to make average content perform brilliantly.
If the content isn't interesting, useful, entertaining or relevant to your audience, the exact time you post it isn't going to save it.
I'd much rather you spend that time thinking about:
Is this actually something my audience wants to see?
Is the hook strong enough to make them stop scrolling?
Does this give them a reason to save, share, comment or follow?
Focus more on what you're posting than obsessing over exactly when you're posting it.
You can now change the audio on some published posts
Picked the wrong song?
Before you panic and delete the post, check whether you can change the audio.
Instagram has introduced the ability to change audio on some published posts without having to delete the original content and start again.
Obviously, this isn't available for every post or in every situation, but it's worth checking before you completely panic-delete something you've already posted.
And let's be honest, anything that gives us one less reason to panic-delete a post is a win.
Instagram is testing longer-form content
We're also seeing Instagram continue to experiment with longer-form video.
And no, this doesn't mean you suddenly need to start creating 90-minute videos.
Reels aren't going anywhere.
Short-form content is still incredibly valuable for discovery - getting your business in front of new people and reaching people who don't already follow you.
But longer content gives you the opportunity to go deeper.
Think:
- Educational videos
- Q&As
- Tutorials
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Interviews
- Expert advice
- Storytelling
- Longer explanations around a particular topic
You don't need to make every Reel 90 minutes long.
But it is worth thinking beyond the idea that every piece of content needs to be under 30 seconds.
If you have something valuable to say, let yourself actually say it.
The biggest takeaway?
With Instagram constantly changing, it's very easy to get caught up in the latest feature, trend or algorithm update.
But the fundamentals haven't really changed.
Good content still wins.
Content that makes someone stop scrolling.
Content that teaches them something.
Content that makes them laugh.
Content that answers a question.
Content that makes them think, “That's literally me.”
And, ultimately, content that gives people a reason to want to follow your business and buy from you.
So yes, keep up with the changes but don't let them distract you from the most important part:
Create content your audience actually wants to see.