The first few months of 2025 have been BUSY for Instagram. With so many updates rolling out—and changes happening here at Rethink—it’s taken us a minute to wrap our heads around everything.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, stated that in 2025 Instagram will be focusing on creativity and connection. This includes providing better creative tools and new technologies, as well as encouraging interactive and social content.
These are great goals for any social media strategy—once you figure out all the changes. So, let’s dive into all the updates and rumors floating around the metaverse.
3-Minute Reels
Ditching their previous maximum of 90 seconds, Instagram Reels expanded Reels to 3 minutes—giving creators, especially informational accounts, more flexibility in content length. While this might feel like a long video, it’s great for educational and storytelling content. TikTok has already offered up to 10-minute videos, so it’s no surprise Instagram is following suit.
Instagram “Edits” Expected April 30
Instagram is launching a free video editing app called Edits, designed to make content creation easier. It’s a direct competitor to CapCut, and we’re curious to see if creators will make the switch. Instagram gave a sneak peek at what to expect—you can check it out here.
A post shared by Instagram’s @Creators (@creators)
Profile Grid Size
While this update makes sense to support a vertical content world, it’s sad to say goodbye to our curated square grid. Personally, this was the hardest piece of information for me to swallow with no warning whatsoever. While you still upload the same post sizes, Instagram will automatically crop the sides to fit on your profile.
Public Reels Likes
This update will show your friends the reels that you have liked. While this update is meant to boost engagement, let’s be honest—some of us will be liking fewer posts now that they’re public. However, a lot of people are excited to connect with their friends in this way! Are you excited about this feature, or will your likes take a hit too?
Trial Reels
Instagram is introducing Trial Reels for professional accounts. This feature allows creators to share reels to non-followers first before sharing to their existing followers. Trial Reels were added to allow creators to experiment with content and get feedback before sharing with their followers.
Testing a Downvote Option
Instagram is testing a downvote option in hopes of creating a friendlier space. No one will see if you downvote something, and there won’t be a public dislike count, it’s simply a way to show that you don’t feel good about a comment. Instagram will use this data to push down negative or irrelevant comments.
New DM Features
Instagram introduced multiple direct messaging features to make connecting easier and more fun. These include:
✔ Scheduled messages – Send messages at a later time (game changer for marketing and personal convos).
✔ Message translation – Making it easier to connect across languages.
✔ Music stickers – Adding more ways to personalize chats.
✔ Pinned content – Keep important messages at the top.
✔ Group chat QR codes – Quickly invite new members to a conversation.
If you use Instagram DMs for audience engagement, these tools will be incredibly useful!
A Separate Reels App?
It has been rumored that Instagram chief Adam Mosseri presented the idea of an individual app for Reels—essentially separating Reels from the Instagram feed. While this idea seems like a way for Meta to swoop in amidst the uncertainty of TikTok, it poses a huge risk of losing people throughout the transition. Even if people love Reels now, does anyone want to add another app to their already crowded home screen?
It’s been a wild start to 2025, and social media isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Between TikTok’s uncertain future, Meta’s new apps, and the overall nature of social media, there’s a lot to keep up with.
It may seem overwhelming, but we will continue to keep a finger on the pulse for you.
Ready to improve your social media? We’re here to help. Call Rethink Media today!