If you’ve ever felt like Instagram is a never-ending game of musical chairs, you’re not alone. Just when you think you’ve mastered the platform, the rules change, and suddenly, it’s a whole new ballgame. With updates happening faster than you can refresh your feed, it feels like you need a full-time social media manager just to keep up with what’s trending. One day it’s all about graphics; the next, it’s about video content, and who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Luckily, that’s Packsia has got your back. We’re here to help you make sense of these constant shifts so you don’t have to scramble every time the algorithm sneezes. With so many changes happening over the past year—and more on the horizon—we’ve rounded up everything you need to know to adjust your social strategy and keep your content fresh.
So, whether you’re an Instagram veteran or just getting your content plan off the ground, here’s what’s changed and how to keep up with the times without breaking a sweat.
Focus On Shares Over Saves
We know what you’re thinking: “Didn’t we just start worrying about saves on our content?”. Well, according to Instagram, we are moving onto a new metric. We’re talking about shareable content.
Posts that get shared across stories or DMs create a ripple effect, boosting your reach and engagement in ways that saveable posts just can’t match. To thrive, create content that's emotionally impactful or informative—something your audience feels compelled to share with their followers. With a Packsia membership, generating these share-worthy posts in mere minutes is easy, so you're never behind on the latest trends.
Diversify Content Types
There was a time when Reels were the holy grail of Instagram growth, but guess what? It’s time to diversify. Instagram is moving toward a more balanced approach—50% of your content should still be Reels, but you’ll want to dedicate 25% each to static posts and carousels. Different content types allow you to engage your audience in multiple ways.
But don’t get it twisted; Reels are still the queen of Instagram! You just need to expand your reach to keep your posts fresh day-to-day. While we can’t help you with static posts, we’re proud to offer a platform that makes creating Reels easy af; whether you're looking for inspiration or ready-to-use content.
Hashtags? Not So Much—Focus on Keywords
Gone are the days of stuffing your posts with hashtags to get noticed. *phew*
Like a search engine, Instagram is shifting to a more keyword-driven algorithm. That means your captions need to be sharp, relevant, and keyword-focused. Think about how your audience would search for your content, and weave those terms into your posts naturally. For more info on SEO for Instagram, you can check out our previous blog!
Authentic Connections Matter More than Follower Counts
Big numbers don’t matter like they used to. In a world of bot comments and fake followers, Instagram is prioritizing meaningful, authentic engagement over follower and like counts. Building real connections with your audience will keep your posts relevant and visible. Start conversations, foster community, and watch your engagement rates rise.
Bye-Bye Square Feed Posts
This one may come as a shock, but it’s almost time to say goodbye to the classic square post! Instagram is now standardizing post size at 1080 x 1350 for the feed. Some of you may have already seen the change in your profile, but it won’t be long until everyone is experiencing the new normal. While Reels still maintain their standard size, Reel covers will be displayed in the new dimensions on the feed. Make sure you’re designing your Reel covers—or choosing still images—that fit this new format to maximize your visual impact.
What’s Coming Around the Corner?
Instagram’s updates aren’t slowing down any time soon. There are a few new features rolling out soon (shh…they leaked, but we’re giving you the inside scoop!) that will change how we interact with the platform—and they’re definitely worth keeping on your radar.
Filter Your Content by Year With Throwback Feed
The nostalgia trend is here to stay, and Instagram is embracing it. Soon, users will be able to filter their content by year with the Throwback Feed. This gives brands and creators a new way to resurface older, high-engagement posts and bring them back into the spotlight. Think of it as curating your greatest hits for a new audience.
A New Home for Your Highlights
Your trusty highlight circles might be moving soon! While we love how the highlights add to the aesthetic of the profile, Instagram is experimenting with a dedicated Highlights tab, positioning it alongside Reels and tagged posts. This move could give your highlights more prominence while offering a cleaner interface.
Pics Please Sticker: Gathering Photos from Your Audience
Instagram is set to release the Pics Please sticker, allowing you to gather user-generated content directly from your audience. Imagine your followers sending you their own photos, which you can then share to your stories—creating even more opportunities for engagement. And here’s hoping that Pics Please evolves into Videos Please so we can see all of our community’s Packsia creations shared across stories!
Tell Someone You Really, Really Like Them With Super Likes
Get ready for Super Likes, where users can send one special like every 24 hours to a story. This is a fun new way to measure what’s really resonating with your audience and could provide deeper insights into your community’s preferences. We’re excited to see how this feature could shape engagement strategies moving forward!
Staying ahead of Instagram’s constant changes is challenging, but with Packsia on your side, you can always stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re adjusting your content sizes or exploring new features like Super Likes and Throwback Feeds, we’re here to help you fine-tune your strategy and maximize your reach. What updates are you most excited about, and have you heard of others coming down the pipeline that we should know about?
