10 Instagram Updates in 2025 You Need to Know

Instagram continues to evolve, bringing new features that change how users interact with the platform. In 2025, Instagram has introduced major updates that affect content creators, marketers, and everyday users.

If you want to stay ahead of the competition, it’s crucial to understand these changes and how they impact your strategy. This guide covers the 10 Instagram Updates in 2025 You Need to Know.

Instagram Introduces 4:5 Vertical Grid Layout

One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the introduction of the 4:5 vertical grid layout on Instagram profiles. Instead of the traditional square format, the new design allows vertical images and videos to display more naturally, making profiles look more immersive and appealing.

This update aligns with the increasing popularity of vertical content, as seen on Instagram Reels and Stories. With this new format, users also get more control over their profile’s aesthetic, including options to adjust thumbnails and even reorder posts.

Creators and businesses can now ensure their profiles look visually cohesive and engaging, giving them an edge in branding.

Enhanced Direct Messaging Features

Instagram’s direct messaging system has received a major overhaul in 2025, making communication easier and more efficient. Users can now schedule messages, a game-changing feature for brands and influencers who want to maintain consistent engagement with their audience.

Another significant addition is the pinned conversations feature, allowing users to keep their most important chats at the top of their inbox. Additionally, real-time message translation has been introduced, breaking language barriers by supporting over 99 languages.

Music lovers will also appreciate the new ability to share and listen to 30-second music clips directly within DMs. These updates make Instagram messaging more interactive and accessible for global communication.

Instagram Launches ‘Edits’ App for Advanced Video Creation

In response to the growing demand for professional video content, Instagram has launched a standalone editing app called ‘Edits.’ This app provides creators with high-end tools for video production, including overlays, green screen effects, and improved audio controls.

Users can collaborate with other editors and even track their content’s performance through built-in analytics. The ‘Edits’ app is set to revolutionize how content is created on Instagram, offering professional-quality tools within an easy-to-use interface.

AI-Powered Video Editing Takes Content Creation to the Next Level

Instagram has embraced artificial intelligence with its latest feature, Movie Gen, an AI-powered tool that enables users to make advanced video modifications. With this update, users can change backgrounds in videos, swap outfits on subjects, and apply realistic special effects—all without needing to reshoot the footage.

This AI-driven tool is particularly beneficial for brands and influencers looking to create visually stunning content quickly. As AI technology continues to improve, Instagram’s editing tools will likely become more sophisticated, making high-quality content creation accessible to everyone.

Reels Get Longer and More Social Features

Instagram Reels, one of the platform’s most popular features, has been upgraded in 2025. The maximum length for Reels has been extended to 3 minutes, allowing creators to produce more detailed and engaging content.

Additionally, Instagram has introduced a Friends Tab, which showcases Reels that your friends have liked or commented on. This new tab encourages users to discover trending content within their social circles, increasing engagement and visibility for creators.

The extended length and social features make Reels even more valuable for storytelling, education, and entertainment.

Story Highlights Moved to a Dedicated Tab

To enhance user experience and profile organization, Instagram has moved Story Highlights to a separate tab. Previously, Story Highlights appeared on the main profile page, sometimes making it look cluttered.

With this new tab, users can categorize their Highlights in a more organized way, making it easier for visitors to navigate through different content sections.

For businesses and influencers, this means they can now structure their Story Highlights based on products, FAQs, testimonials, and promotions without overwhelming their profile layout.

Instagram Tests a ‘Dislike’ Button for Comments

To promote a more positive community environment, Instagram has introduced a ‘Dislike’ button for comments. Unlike other platforms where dislikes are public, Instagram’s version keeps the dislikes private, meaning only the user and Instagram’s algorithm can see them.

This update helps filter out low-quality or harmful comments while allowing constructive discussions to remain visible. While this feature is still in testing, it is expected to improve engagement quality and make Instagram a safer space for conversations.

Third-Party AR Filters Discontinued

Instagram has decided to discontinue third-party AR face filters that were previously available through the Meta Spark platform. This move is part of Instagram’s broader strategy to focus on its own augmented reality (AR) innovations, including potential advancements in AR glasses and immersive content.

While this may be disappointing for some creators, Instagram will continue to offer native AR effects, ensuring high-quality and consistent user experiences.

New Monetization Options for Creators

Instagram has expanded its monetization opportunities in 2025, giving creators more ways to earn revenue. The platform now allows users to sell digital products directly through Instagram, including e-books, courses, and exclusive content.

Additionally, revenue-sharing on Reels ads has been introduced, meaning creators can now earn a percentage of ad revenue generated from their content. With these new monetization tools, Instagram is positioning itself as a strong competitor to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, making it a lucrative space for content creators.

AI-Generated Captions and Hashtags

To help users optimize their content for reach and engagement, Instagram has introduced an AI-powered caption and hashtag generator. This feature suggests captions based on the content of an image or video and provides relevant hashtags that can boost visibility.

The AI system analyzes trends and user engagement patterns to recommend the best possible captions and tags. This tool is especially useful for brands and influencers who want to improve their social media strategy without spending hours brainstorming captions and researching hashtags.

See More:

How to Use Instagram Stories to Increase Engagement

Instagram Content Ideas to Skyrocket Engagement for Creators and Businesses

The Best Instagram Hashtags for Growing Your Account in 2025

Instagram Captions That Convert: 30+ Trending Ideas for 2025

How to Create Viral Instagram Reels and Get More Engagement

Conclusion

Instagram’s 2025 updates bring exciting new features that enhance user experience, content creation, and engagement. From the 4:5 vertical grid layout to AI-powered video editing tools and new monetization opportunities, these changes make Instagram a more powerful platform for creators, businesses, and social media users.

By understanding and leveraging these updates, you can stay ahead of the competition and maximize your presence on Instagram.

Common FAQs