Let’s be honest: as a business owner, Instagram probably isn’t your favourite thing.
But it’s a necessary evil, a platform you know you need to be on, but one that often feels like an absolute headache,
The constant algorithm changes, the pressure to create endless content, and the struggle to keep up with the latest trends…
It’s enough to make anyone throw their phones out the window.
And now… Instagram is throwing even more changes at us. Reels over 90-seconds could be hurting your reach, stories lasting longer lately, and more fun and mysterious features.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed with these updates, then you’ve come to the right place!
Because we’ll break down the latest Instagram updates and explain what they mean for your business and – most importantly – how to use them to your advantage.
This revelation has caused a lot of confusion and debate in the marketing world.
After all, Instagram and TikTok has been nudging us towards longer form content.
So what’s the real story?
While longer videos might keep users on the platform for extended periods, they don’t always translate to meaningful engagement.
Instagram wants you to create long-form reels to boost user retention, but the algorithm doesn’t reward them with the same reach as their shorter counterparts.
Which leads us to a relevant question:
Instagram’s algorithm is all about maximising user engagement.
Shorter videos are more likely to be watched until completion and generate more engagement.
The more engagement you get (such as likes, comments, and shares), the more your content will be pushed out.
90 seconds seems to be the sweet spot where attention spans and engagement intersect.
This doesn’t mean you have to ditch longer reels altogether.
However, it does mean you have to be very strategic.
If you’re going to go beyond the 90-second mark, make sure the content is absolutely captivating. Every second needs to count, and the value proposition should be crystal clear.
Instagram is experimenting with a new way to extend the lifespan of your Stories beyond just the usual 24-hour window.
This feature, aptly named “Lately”, creates an automatically generated highlight reel of your most recent Stories directly on your profile.
And unlike regular Story Highlights, content in “Lately” vanishes after 7 days.
Here’s what it means for you:
While Instagram is pushing for more video content and AI-Driven recommendations, it’s also recognising the importance of personal connection.
Features like “Lately” show that Instagram is trying to strike a balance between entertainment and genuine engagement.
By experimenting with the “Lately” feature, you can leverage this this update and create more engaging and authentic brand presence on Instagram.
Imagine BeReal, but on Instagram.
This new feature lets you share a quick, unfiltered snaps with your friends. It’s all about capturing the raw, unedited moments of your day.
No filters, no fuss, just a glimpse into your life.
But once they your friends see it, it vanishes into thin air.
This isn’t about likes or comments.
It’s about genuine connection free from the pressure of perfection.
So the natural (and most relevant) question is:
Well…
It seems like they’re tapping into a growing desire for authenticity.
People have been becoming increasingly aware (and tired) of curated feeds and polished personas.
Everyone knows people post on their Instagram to impress others.
But others want to see the real you, messy hair and all.
Could “Peek” be the answer?
Maybe. It certainly has the potential to create meaningful interactions on the platform. It’s a fun and low-pressure way to stay connected with friends and family.
But…
That’s the million-dollar question.
BeReal had a similar concept, but it struggled to maintain momentum.
Perhaps “Peek” will fare even better with Instagram’s massive user base. It certainly adds an intriguing addition to the platform, and it could be just the thing to inject a little more “realness” into our digital lives.
Meta’s latest experiment is starting to blur the lines between Instagram and Threads.
They’re testing a new cross-posting feature, which allows you to automatically share your Instagram posts to Threads. Sounds convenient, right?
But is it a good idea? Not necessarily.
Here’s the thing: Instagram and Threads are different beasts.
They have different audiences, different vibes, and different content styles.
What works on Instagram might not work on Threads, and vice versa.
Cross-posting might save you some time and effort. But it could also dilute your brand’s message and alienate your followers on both platforms.
So the natural (and relevant) question here is:
If you’re a business owner, think carefully before you hit that “cross-post” button.
Ask yourself:
If you’re not sure, it’s probably best to err on the side of caution.
Focus on creating unique content for each platform, tailored to the specific audience and style.
Because quality always beats quantity. It’s better to have a few high-quality posts on each platform than a bunch of generic ones that no one cares about.
But Meta’s cross-posting experiment is still in its early stages. So we’ll have to see how this plays out.
In the meantime, use your best judgement and always prioritise your audience’s experience.
With Instagram’s constant updates every year, algorithm shifts and with you (assuming you’re a business owner) being pulled in dozens of different directions, it’s easy to bey overwhelmed and struggle to keep up.
Let alone create content create content for your socials…
Which is why we created our 50 FREE Content Ideas that you can post today in 10 minutes or less even if creativity isn’t your strong suit.
Our free guide is packed with fresh, engaging content ideas that will breathe new life into your Instagram presence. Whether you’re looking for Reels inspiration, Story Prompts, or post ideas.
Click Here to learn more.
