Instagram’s Updates That Every Business Owner Must Know

Welcome to your guide for Instagram’s latest updates—because yes, there’s a lot, and yes, they are definitely worth your attention. We will walk you through what’s new, how each feature and/or tool works, and how to actually use them to enhance your content strategy. While all of these new features can feel a little overwhelming, these new tools are opportunities to connect, engage, and grow through your social channels!

1. Edits App – An Instagram-Specific Video Editor

FINALLY, Instagram has launched its new all-in-one video editing platform: Edits.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Multi-Channel Editing (you can layer clips and audio like in CapCut or Premiere).

• Project Management tabs to keep track of your video drafts.

• Note-Taking sections for future ideas.

• Access to Trending Reels and Audio.

• Record videos up to 10 minutes long.

• Advanced Effects like green screen, cutouts, and AI animations.

• Direct uploads to IG—OR watermark-free downloads.

Let’s stop right there: WATERMARK FREE DOWNLOADS?! That means you can actually use Edits to create video content for other platforms without the Instagram logo on it!

How to use it: Start creating numerous Reels within Edits and manage all your content in one specific place. For brands and creators managing content across multiple platforms, this tool makes it easier to stay organized, on-brand, and on-trend!

2. Instagram Introduces Blends in DMs: A New Way to Connect

Ever wanted to swap content recommendations with your close friend but didn’t want to send a million DMs back and forth? Instagram's Blends is about to become your go-to feature.

Blends is a shared Reels feed between you and other users, where you both influence and/or help shape the content you see.

What you need to know:

• Go to a DM with a fellow user (or group).

• Tap the Blend Icon.

• Everyone has to opt in.

How to use it: Think of this as a perfect mix of trend research and relationship-building. Creators can use it to exchange trends and ideas with collaborators, while social media managers can bring their teams together to track and discuss what’s trending. Small business owners can also benefit by creating group chats to share reel inspiration, marketing ideas, and content strategies with their peers or team members. And if you’re just here for the vibes—send dog videos, memes, and Taylor Swift updates to your heart’s content! 

3. Gated Reels – Share Exclusive Content with a Code for Select Viewers

This feature is still being tested, but it has a lot of potential here! Gated Reels can help creators and small businesses share exclusive content, offer added value to their most loyal followers, and strengthen their community connections.

Gated Reels are videos that show up like normal in your followers’ feeds, but they need a code to unlock.

Why it matters:

• Brands can use them to offer secret discounts, tutorials, or early access.

• Creators can reward loyal followers with exclusive content (almost like a VIP).

• Everyday users can keep their personal posts semi-private. 

How to use it:

For businesses and creators, you can share how to unlock a code in your email newsletter or Instagram Story. This creates an incentive for people to engage in more than one place! For example, if you're a small business owner, you could create a Gated Reel with behind-the-scenes content, early access to a product launch, or a limited-time offer. Then, share the access code with your most engaged followers via an Instagram story or even a pinned post. It’s a great way to reward loyal customers while encouraging cross-platform engagement. And hey, who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re getting exclusive VIP access? It’s the perfect way to keep your virtual audience coming back for more!

4. Meta AI App – Your Personal Assistant for Content and Much More

Meta (owns and operates Instagram) is launching a brand-new app: Meta AI. Think of this as your own personal digital assistant right on your phone (and, potentially, your smart glasses). The app can be used to help enhance your content creation and management across Instagram (and even more)! Hold up: A digital assistant that helps you create content? That’s like having a creative sidekick right in your pocket!

You’ll be able to:

• Interact with it via your spoken voice.

• Ask it to help with content ideas.

• Generate captions or brainstorm content ideas.

How to use it: If you find yourself caught in the “what should I post on Instagram?” situation (and haven’t we all been there), Meta AI can assist you with the brainstorming process. For small business owners, it can assist in generating ideas specific to your brand. This could include creating engaging captions for your latest product, developing a Reel showcasing behind-the-scenes processes, or brainstorming a new content series to highlight customer success stories or seasonal promotions. Game changer, right?

Instagram is rolling out some seriously exciting features that are about to level up your content game! Whether you're creating epic videos, sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, or teaming up with fellow creators, these tools are here to help you shake things up and make your content pop. Yep, you’re about to make everyone else’s content look like yesterday’s news.

Stay connected with us on social media (@_wholesomedia) for more social media tips and resources! And if you ever need support with your social media strategy, we’re just a message away!