Did you wake up a few days ago and notice that Instagram had changed? Yeah, we know! Instagram decided to start 2025 off with a bang and made some changes that have had both positive and negative impacts on users.
Before we dive in, you should know that Instagram reached two million active users in 2024 and TikTok was briefly banned in the United States, but the ban only lasted less than 24 hours. We know, it’s a lot to take in in less than 30 days, but it leaves us eager to see what will happen this year in the universe of social media.
Now, if you’re still in the dark about everything that’s happened and want to know more about the latest Instagram updates, keep reading this article, as in 2025, the battle to be the king of the internet continues.
Goodbye square, hello rectangle
One of the most impactful changes for users is the new format of posts. Now, photos and videos are displayed in a vertical format, just like Reels! And this decision has generated some controversy.
Will it change in the coming days? Maybe, as platform CEO Adam Mosseri announced on his account that they’re working on it.
However, this update gives the feed a more dynamic, clean, and modern look.
Longer Reels and Stories: The battle against TikTok!
Yes, the battle is still raging, and if you’re a fan of Reels and Stories, you should know that Instagram has decided to increase the maximum duration of both formats. You can now create Reels up to 3 minutes long and Stories up to 60 seconds long without cuts. More time to show off your creativity!
Saying goodbye to highlights?
One of the most surprising updates for users is the disappearance of highlighted stories. This doesn’t mean they’ll be gone forever, just relocated. We won’t see the little circles in the bio anymore, but they’ll have a tab in the feed.
Are you wondering about the famous story covers? Well, according to the news, you’ll be able to edit them so your highlights feed doesn’t look like a circus.
More transparency: now you can see who likes your friends’ posts
Have you ever wondered who likes your friends’ posts? Well, now Instagram has implemented a new feature that allows you to see the likes and comments of the people you follow, with the aim of generating more interaction.
This feature also brings with it divided opinions, as some people think that anonymity and privacy have been left behind. What do you think?
What other surprises are in store?
We don’t know yet, but we’re sure these are just the first steps in new improvements and updates. What’s clear is that the platform continues to evolve at a rapid pace and that content creators, marketing teams, and content creators will have to adapt to these new trends to remain relevant.
If you want to learn more about design, technology, and digital marketing trends, check out the articles on our blog.
