Instagram Updates: Stay Ahead of the Game
- Ella Burgess
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Instagram has been busy lately. If it feels like every time you log in, there’s a new feature, update, or change to how the platform works—you’re not imagining it. Instagram is evolving fast, and staying on top of these shifts is key if you want to keep your brand visible, relevant, and engaging.
The truth is, social media isn’t just about showing up anymore. The brands that win are the ones that adapt quickly and use new tools in creative ways. Understanding what Instagram is rolling out (and how to actually use it to your advantage) can make the difference between blending in and standing out.
If you’ve been struggling to keep up, don’t worry—I did the homework so you don’t have to. Here’s a breakdown of Instagram’s latest updates, why they matter, and actionable ways you can use them to connect with your audience, grow your reach, and build stronger communities.
1. Pin Your Own Comments
The update: Until now, you could only pin other people’s comments. Now you can pin your own.
Why it matters: This gives you a built-in “PS” for your posts. You can highlight something important without editing your original caption.
Action steps for brands:
Use pinned comments to drop a call-to-action (CTA) like “Download our free guide here” or “Book your spot today.”
Add a follow-up note with updates, event changes, or reminders.
Steer the conversation back to your content pillars by linking to other posts, blogs, or resources.
2. Instagram for iPad
The update: A dedicated iPad version of the app is finally here.
Why it matters: Bigger screen = better editing, easier scrolling, and smoother collaboration.
Action steps for brands:
Review and approve visuals as a team—no more squinting at your phone.
Edit Reels and carousels with more precision on a bigger screen.
Streamline multi-account management when working across different brands.
3. Smarter Notification Ranking
The update: Instagram now prioritizes notifications, reducing clutter from old likes or spammy alerts.
Why it matters: The algorithm will surface meaningful interactions first.
Action steps for brands:
Focus on quality engagement: thoughtful replies > quick likes.
Encourage your community to comment and share, not just double tap.
Assign someone on your team to nurture comments daily—your visibility depends on it.
4. New DM Management Tools
The update: You can now batch mark, filter, and organize your inbox.
Why it matters: This transforms DMs into a legitimate customer service channel.
Action steps for brands:
Create a response system: FAQs, templates, or automated replies for speed.
Treat DMs like a sales funnel—track leads and nurture relationships.
Monitor your inbox daily to build trust through faster replies.
5. College Class Listings on Profiles
The update: Users can now add college classes to their profile—basically LinkedIn-lite inside Instagram.
Why it matters: It makes networking easier, especially for Gen Z.
Action steps for brands:
Recruit student ambassadors directly through IG.
Run campus-specific campaigns to connect with younger audiences.
Offer internship opportunities and promote them where students are already spending time.
6. Picture-in-Picture for Reels (Testing)
The update: Instagram is testing a picture-in-picture feature that allows users to keep a Reel playing in a small floating window while scrolling through IG—or even while using other apps.
Why it matters: This could significantly increase watch time. Instead of someone clicking away and forgetting about your content, your Reel can continue running in the background, giving your message more chances to land.
Action steps for brands:
Prioritize audio quality and captions. If your Reel is playing while someone multitasks, your message still needs to be clear without visuals.
Experiment with storytelling hooks that unfold over time—longer watch sessions mean you can deliver more depth.
Use strong CTAs in your audio or captions so that even if a viewer isn’t actively watching, they know what to do next.
7. The Importance of Staying Updated
Staying updated with Instagram's features is crucial for brands looking to thrive. As the platform evolves, so should your strategies. Embrace these changes and integrate them into your marketing efforts.
Final Thoughts: Small Tweaks, Big Shifts
Instagram’s updates may seem small on the surface, but each one changes how users interact with content—and how brands need to show up. Pinning your own comments, smarter notifications, and new DM tools all point toward one trend: Instagram wants more meaningful, community-driven interactions.
For brands and creators, this is your moment to move beyond surface-level vanity metrics and double down on authentic engagement. Whether it’s using pinned comments to drive conversions, treating DMs like a customer support channel, or creating Reels that can run in the background, the opportunities are there—you just have to grab them early.
Want help creating & strategizing your content? Contact me today!
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