2025 Instagram Updates Every Small Business Needs To Know About
At Express Strategic Services, we know how important it is to stay on top of social media trends, and Instagram is no exception. As Instagram continues to shift and update in 2025, we’re excited to share some fresh changes that will help small businesses like yours stay ahead of the game. Let’s take a look at what's brewing on Instagram this year, shall we?
1. Longer Reels
As of early this year, Instagram has extended the length of Reels to 3 minutes, which means more room for your creative ideas to shine. Whether you're showcasing a new product or sharing behind-the-scenes moments, you now have a bit more time to tell your story. This update is a game changer for small businesses, giving you the opportunity to create deeper connections with your audience without feeling rushed.
2. A New Story Highlights Tab
Instagram has added a dedicated tab for Story Highlights, making it easier than ever to showcase your best moments and products. This update is a dream for small businesses that want to keep their most important content front and center. Whether you’re featuring customer testimonials, products, or special promotions, your Story Highlights will have a sleek and organized space to shine. Just think of it as your business’s virtual shop display - an easy and convenient way for customers to take a look!
3. Updated Profile Grid Sizing
Instagram’s new profile grid layout is now more rectangular, giving your business profile a modern and refreshed vibe. This small change packs a punch, offering you a cleaner and more visually appealing way to showcase your brand. While this update is unique, make sure to edit your graphic's sizing to ensure it fits beautifully on your page.
4. New Meta-Verified Features
If you’re a verified business on Instagram, 2025 brings an exciting feature: You can now add clickable links directly in your Reels. While this is exclusive to verified users, it’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses to drive traffic directly from their video content. Plus, Meta has introduced a tiered pricing model for verification, offering flexibility for businesses of all sizes. Gone are the days of "visit our website using the link in our bio."
5. Commenting on Stories
One of the most exciting updates for 2025 is the ability to comment directly on Instagram Stories! This new feature is a fantastic way to engage with your audience in a more personal and meaningful way. Small businesses can use this feature to answer customer questions, gather feedback, or just have fun with their followers.
6. Expanded Carousel Posts
As you've probably noticed, Instagram has increased the number of slides you can add to a carousel post, now allowing up to 20 images or videos in a single post. This is perfect for businesses that want to showcase multiple products, tell a longer story, or even create tutorials. With more space to work with, you can really flex your creative muscles and keep your followers engaged. Imagine it like adding extra flavor syrups to your coffee - more depth and more engagement.
7. New Stickers and AI Features
Instagram has introduced new AI-powered stickers for Stories and DMs. These interactive stickers are a fun way to engage your followers while keeping your content fresh and relevant. From polls to quizzes, these stickers allow you to personalize your interactions and keep the conversation going.
If all of these updates sound like a foreign language to you, don't worry - that's what we are here for! At Express Strategic Services, we’re here to help you navigate the latest trends and updates to keep your business thriving. Instagram is continuously evolving, and with these new features in 2025, it’s the perfect time to revisit your social media strategy.
