New Instagram Updates 2026 That You Need to Know

Instagram is constantly evolving, so today, we’re sharing all the new Instagram updates 2026 that you need to know. To help you stay up to date on all Instagram news, we’ve listed the updates for 2024 as well, organized by their release month.

We recommend bookmarking this blog, as we’ll update it whenever new features go live. Let’s dive into all the Instagram updates for 2026, month by month.

• Instagram AI Video Elements
• Screenshot Blocking for View-Once Media
• New Holidays Features
• Instagram Tests Scheduled
• Filter Message Requests On Instagram
• Instagram Stories For Engagement
• Increase Posting After a Viral Video
• Instagram Will Reduce The Quality Of Reels
• Instagram Carousels Improve Your Reach
• Testing In-stream Performance Tips For Reels
• Logo Watermark On Reel
• Instagram Launches Profile Cards
• Instgram Social Library
• New Instagram WhatsApp Sticker
• Instagram Reels Introduce A Signature Sound
• Instagram DMs Engagement Tools
• Instagram Broadcast Channel Updates
• Instagram Testing Friend Map
• Instagram Carousel Update
• Instagram Blocks Screenshot
• Instagram Metrics Update
• New Instagram Rectangular Grid
• Instagram Testing Profile Cards
• Option To Tag Broadcast Channels
• Instagram Musical
• New Position For Message Icon
• Instagram Super Likes
• Instagram Reel Song
• Retrospectively Add Collaborator
• Recommendation For Reels
• Instagram Share Metrics
• Live Stream To Close Friends
• Carousel Video Support Music
• New Creator Insights
• WhatsApp Cross-Posting
• Instagram Virtual Pets
• Instagram Ad Break
• Instagram Broadcast Channels Update
• Carousel Posts Update
• Instagram ‘Limits’ Feature
• New Instagram DM Restriction Feature
• Instagram Post Shares
• Instagram Lately Stories Highlights
• Longer Reels Limited Reach
• Expansion Of Creator Marketplace
• New Peek Feature
• Instagram Notes on Reels and Feed Posts
• Instagram New Stickers
• Cross-posting To Threads
• Instagram Followers Glitch
• Instagram AI Chatbot
• Instagram Clear Mode
• Instagram Algorithm Change
• Instagram Channels New Features
• Instagram Blend Feature
• Instagram Follower Count
• Instagram Hashtag Search
• New Carousel Feature
• Instagram Flipside
• Instagram Promo Codes
• Longer Instagram Reels
• Share Files Using Instagram DMs
• Instagram Carousel Limit Update
• Edit Instagram DMs
• Instagram Stories New Backdrop
• Instagram Friend Map
• Instagram Live Stream Engagement Features
• Instagram Adds Video Cut-Out Option for Stickers
• Instagram Grid Preview
• Read Receipts
• Instagram Flipside
• Cancel In-progress Instagram Story
• Instagram Public Collection
• Instagram Add Yours Templates

Instagram Updates: December 2024

Instagram AI Video Elements

Meta is looking to integrate more AI into social media, and Instagram’s Adam Mosseri has revealed upcoming AI features for video.

 

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A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

This feature will use Meta’s Movie Gen engine to edit your video clips in-stream, including options to change backgrounds, outfits, appearances, and even create Muppet versions of yourself.

Screenshot Blocking for View-Once Media

Instagram screenshot blocking for all DMs in Vanish Mode or when View Once content is finally out. The feature was first tested back in August and it prevents screenshots for privacy.

New Holidays Features

The social media platform rolled out new holiday features: Collages for Stories, new fonts, seasonal “Add Yours” templates, and chat themes. Instagram is promoting the Collage as a way to showcase your 2024 updates through a collection on Stories.

DM Scheduling Option

Instagram is testing a new DM scheduling option to send messages at optimal times. The feature is currently available to selected users. To use it, open the chat, write your message, and then long-press the send button to choose a date and time for delivery.

Instagram Updates: November 2024

Filter Message Requests On Instagram

Creators often receive an overwhelming number of message requests, which can be frustrating. The latest Instagram update lets creators filter and sort message requests, helping them organize their DMs and view only the ones they want.

Instagram Stories For Engagement

Mosseri says Instagram Stories are the best way to engage followers, offering a look into your daily life. He revealed that creators who post Stories see fewer unfollows.

Increase Posting After a Viral Video

Adam Mosseri recently said that if your recent video post is going viral, you should increase the frequency of your posting. This trick will help you capitalize on the trend and achieve maximum engagement.

Instagram Updates: October 2024

Here are all the Instagram news updates from October 2024.

Instagram Will Reduce The Quality Of Reels

The CEO of Instagram revealed in a recent Q&A that Instagram will reduce the quality of your reels if they are not getting views for some time.

Instagram Carousels Improve Your Reach

Adam Mosseri stated that the social media platform will prioritize carousel ads and explained why they are gaining more reach. He noted that having multiple pieces of media provides multiple opportunities for interaction.

Testing In-stream Performance Tips For Reels

Instagram is testing in-stream performance tips for Reels to help businesses get the most out of the platform. These tips aim to enhance your content and offer helpful suggestions.

Logo Watermark On Reel

Adam Mosseri confirmed that adding your brand logo as a watermark to your reels won’t affect your reach. 

Instagram Launches Profile Cards

Instagram profile cards are finally here this October after a long wait! They serve as digital business cards, making it quick and easy for people to connect with you on Instagram.

Instgram Social Library

Instagram is testing a Social Library to track your shared content. The Social Library will include all the content you have engaged with, including Instagram Reels and posts.

New Instagram WhatsApp Sticker

Instagram is testing a new sticker for stories to help out brands strengthen their connections with customers. The new WhatsApp sticker will help in DM connections.

Instagram Updates: September 2024

Looking to catch up on the September 2024 updates? Here’s all the Instagram news from the month:

Instagram Reels Introduce A Signature Sound

When you download an Instagram Reel, a signature sound will play at the end.

DMs Engagement Tools

Instagram DMs (direct message) experience introduces drawing tools and stickers for images shared in DMs.

Instagram Broadcast Channel Updates

Some Instagram broadcast users now have the option to enable replies, allowing subscribers to share their comments.

Instagram Updates: August 2024

August 2024 brought some exciting Instagram news—here are the details:

Instagram Testing Friend Map

The Instagram Friend Map feature lets you share your current and past locations, along with any stories or posts you shared while at those locations.

Instagram Carousel Update

The Instagram carousel got an update where you will now be able to share up to 20 slides in one post.

Instagram Blocks Screenshot

The temporary messages now have additional privacy protections with a new update that prevents taking screenshots.

Instagram Metrics Update

Instagram announced that views will now be the primary focus, shifting away from likes and followers. So you should start to focus on Reels.

New Instagram Rectangular Grid

Instagram is testing a new rectangular grid for posts. This new Instagram feature is currently in testing and is only available to selected Instagram users.

Instagram Testing Profile Cards

Instagram profile cards are provided to selected creators. They include your QR code on one side and your name, profile picture, and bio on the other. People can scan the QR code to follow your Instagram account. 

Option To Tag Broadcast Channels

Instagram will allow users to tag broadcast channels in their posts. This feature is currently being tested and will enable you to tag a broadcast channel in a feed post.

Instagram Musical

This update allows you to add a profile song to your Instagram account.

Instagram Updates: July 2024

In July 2024 the social media platform got exciting updates. Here are all the July Instagram news you might have missed.

New Position For Message Icon

Instagram is testing an update to move the Instagram DMs icon to the middle of the navigation bar.

Instagram Super Likes

While the full details of this Instagram feature are not out, it will let you ‘super like’ someone’s story once per day.

Instagram Reel Song

You can now add up to 20 songs in one Instagram reel providing you will plenty of options to be creative and play around with the audio.

Retrospectively Add Collaborator

Adam Mosseri shared that Instagram is planning an update to enable users to add collaborators after a post has been published.

Recommendation For Reels

Instagram will provide you with the best practices to make the most out of your Instagram reels. This option will be available in the Professional Dashboard on your Instagram profile.

Instagram Share Metrics

Adam Mosseri posted a video on social media explaining that moving forward, the number of shares your posts or Reels receive will be an important method of determining the reach of your Instagram account.

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Instagram Updates: June 2024

These are all the Instagram news updates from June this year.

Live Stream To Close Friends

This update will allow you to share live streams with a close friends list. This feature can help brands share exclusive details with dedicated followers.

Carousel Video Support Music

You can now add music to your videos in a carousel post on Instagram. This makes the carousel format more effective.

New Creator Insights

The new Creator Insights feature lets you track a content creator’s performance. This tool provides an overview of their performance over the last 30 days, helping you optimize your social media partnerships.

WhatsApp Cross-Posting

You will soon be able to share your Instagram stories on your WhatsApp with the cross-posting feature.

Instagram Virtual Pets

Instagram is testing a new feature to introduce virtual pets on social media. You will be able to add these pets to your Instagram stories and they will grow as your story gets likes.

Instagram Ad Break

In the new Instagram update, you might have to watch ads and they are planning to name it Instagram Ad Break.

Instagram Broadcast Channels Update

This update will add new features that will allow you to do the following in a broadcast channel

• Use custom themes
• Share QR codes
• Go live on the broadcast channel
• Moderate emojis in the broadcast channel
  

Carousel Posts Update

You can now add text overlays to carousel posts on your Instagram profile.

Instagram ‘Limits’ Feature

The new Instagram Limit feature includes options such as hiding your posts from everyone except your close friends.

New Instagram DM Restriction Feature

This update allows you to restrict your Instagram DMs to meta-verified users only. This feature is available to meta-verified users only.

Instagram Updates: May 2024

The following Instagram news and updates were released in May 2024.

Instagram Post Shares

Adam Mosseri revealed in a Q&A that the number of shares on your posts will have a greater impact on your reach than watch time or the number of comments.

Instagram Lately Stories Highlights

If the “Lately” story highlights option is enabled, your stories from the past seven days will automatically be added to your highlights. This helps your followers catch up on any stories they may have missed. This feature is currently being tested.

Longer Reels Limited Reach

At a creator event in NYC, Instagram Head Adam Mosseri shared that Reels longer than 90 seconds could reduce the reach. 

Expansion Of Creator Marketplace

In this update, the Instagram Creator Marketplace is expanded to the following countries:

• Argentina
• France
• Germany
• Indonesia
• Israel
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• South Korea
• Spain
• Turkey

New Peek Feature

Instagram is working on a new Peek feature. It will let you share quick, unedited photos of yourself with friends.

Instagram Notes on Reels and Feed Posts

Instagram is testing a new feature where you can leave notes on Instagram posts and reels to which the poster can respond. These notes will disappear after 3 days.

Instagram New Stickers

This update has added 4 new stickers for Instagram stories. These interactive stickers include the following:

• Add Yours Music
• Cutouts
• Frames
• Reveal
  

Cross-posting To Threads

A test for cross-posting with Threads has started. It will be available for individual or all image posts, but not Reels.

Instagram Followers Glitch

If you lost followers, it was due to a potential Instagram glitch, which has been fixed in this update. You will regain your followers once the update rolls out.

Instagram AI Chatbot

The new Instagram AI chatbot by Meta AI Studio will allow you to create public and private bots for various tasks like shopping, meme generation, trip planning, and more.

Instagram Clear Mode

This model is currently in the testing phase. It will allow you to hide all the descriptions and UI on reels so that you can focus on the video content.

Instagram Updates: April 2024

Some of the major changes were introduced in April, let’s look at the details of all Instagram news from April.

Instagram Algorithm Change

The following 4 changes are made to the Instagram algorithm:

• Replace reposts with original content in recommendations
• Add labels to reposted content to give credit to the original creator
• Remove content aggregators from recommendations
• Boast reach of smaller creators 

New Features Instagram Channels

Instagram is testing a feature to enable in-channel photo contests, a great way to engage your community members!

Instagram Blend Feature

You can use this new Instagram feature to blend the reel algorithm to create a private feed. This feed can be for you and your friends.

Instagram Follower Count

Adam Mosseri confirmed that Instagram followers are less important than your views and likes.

Instagram Hashtag Search

When you tap on an Instagram hashtag it will open search results for that hashtag. You still have the option to report hashtags and follow or unfollow them.

New Carousel Feature

Instagram is testing a feature that lets users mention a specific photo or video in a carousel within their comments.

Instagram Flipside

The Flipside feature will be removed effective May 24. Photos and videos posted here will be moved to your archive.

Instagram Updates: March 2024

These are all the Instagram news from March 2024:

Instagram Promo Codes

This Instagram update has introduced promo codes that you can add to ads in an Instagram advertising campaign.

Longer Instagram Reels

You can now upload Reels up to three minutes long on your Instagram account.

Share Files Using Instagram DMs

Instagram is testing the feature to share files using Instagram DMs. Currently, you can only share images.

Instagram Carousel Limit Update

Instagram is testing to increase the number of images from 10 to 15 in Carousel format.

Edit Instagram DMs

The new Instagram update will allow you to edit your Instagram DMs, edit a message within 15 minutes of sending it, and pin chats.

Instagram Updates: February 2024

The following is the latest Instagram news from February.

Instagram Stories New Backdrop

The new update will use AI to suggest backdrops for your Instagram stories. Plus you will also see a few new sticker updates.

Instagram Friend Map

This Instagram feature will allow you to track your friends and show you their current location. It is currently in the works and will be released soon.

Instagram Live Stream Engagement Features

Instagram is testing a new engagement feature for Instagram Live. The exact details of these features are not released yet but will be fun.

Instagram Adds Video Cut-Out Option for Stickers

Instagram recently expanded its sticker options. Alongside creating stickers from still images, you can now turn short videos into GIF-like stickers.

Instagram Grid Preview

Instagram is testing a grid preview that will allow you to see how your post or carousels look in the feed.

Read Receipts

Instagram has rolled out a feature to turn off read receipts for DMs. You can turn off the option from the Privacy & Security option on your Instagram profile.

Instagram Updates: January 2024

Let’s look into the Instagram news and updates released in January 2024.

Instagram Flipside

You can now create an alternative Instagram profile with this new feature. This profile will be visible only to selected users you choose.

Cancel In-progress Instagram Story

If you add a story to your Instagram profile by mistake, you can now delete it while it’s uploading, thanks to the latest Instagram update.

Instagram Public Collection

You will be able to add public collections to your Instagram account soon. This allows you to share content curated by topics or categories.

Add Yours Instagram Templates

Instagram now allows users to create their own templates for Stories using the newly introduced Add Yours Templates feature for Instagram stories.

Instagram News 2026: FAQs

What’s happening to Instagram right now?

Instagram is testing new features, including DM scheduling, screenshot blocking for Vanish Mode and View Once, and holiday updates like Collages for Stories.

How do I check for updates on Instagram?

To check for updates on Instagram, go to your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store), search for “Instagram,” and tap “Update” if an update is available.

Does the Instagram new update show who viewed your profile?

No, Instagram’s new update doesn’t show who viewed your profile.

What are the new updates in Instagram?

Instagram introduced several updates in 2026, including Add Yours templates for Stories, public collections, longer Reels, and profile cards. Features like carousel improvements, new stickers, and AI-generated story backdrops were also added.-*