The biggest Instagram updates from 2024: A social media manager’s guide to this year’s Instagram changes [updated monthly]
Carousels and reels and stories, oh my!
Find it hard to keep up with the latest Instagram news and platform updates in 2024?
Stop swimming (or scrolling) upstream. Because we've got your back! Every month, we collect the biggest Instagram headlines that every social media manager needs to know. And we post them right here for you!
Bookmark this page because you'll want to come back next month to catch up on even more Instagram news.
And while you're at it, you'll probably want to bookmark these resources too:
- LinkedIn updates from 2024
- Facebook updates from 2024
- TikTok updates from 2024
- X (Twitter) updates from 2024
Okay, you ready? Let's dive into 2024's top Instagram headlines, month by month.
What’s happening on Instagram in 2024?
Here are all the biggest Instagram headlines from 2024, all in one place.
Instagram news: April 2024
Instagram is changing its algorithm . . . again!
Instagram is introducing 4 changes:
- An algorithm update to boost reach of smaller creators
- Replacing reposts with original content in recommendations
- Adding labels to reposted content and linking back to the original creator
- Removing content aggregators from recommendations
Instagram is adding a new feature to channels
Instagram is currently testing a feature that would allow in-channel photo contests. This would be a great way to activate your community members!
Instagram is testing new "Blend" feature
The Blend feature will allow you to blend your Reels algorithm to create a private feed for you and your friends.
Head of Instagram touches on follower count
Adam Mosseri confirms on Threads that follower count matters less than views and likes.
Instagram simplifies hashtag search and discovery
Adam Mosseri posted that now when you tap on a hashtag, you'll see the search results for that specific hashtag. With this update, you'll still be able to follow, unfollow, or report hashtags.
New test for Instagram carousel posts
Instagram is testing the ability to mention a certain photo or video within a carousel in your comment. Some users may have access to this feature already.
No more Flipside
Well, that didn't last long. Instagram users may have noticed a pop-up that states the feature will be going away on May 24. Your photos and videos posted there will be archived.
Instagram news: March 2024
Instagram ads get a new friend: promo codes!
Now, you can add a promo code to you Instagram ads! Will your brand try this feature out?
Instagram Reels . . . but make them loooonger
3-minute-long reels? Yes, the moment has finally arrived (for some Instagram users, at least).
Send files via Instagram DMs
A new Instagram experiment is in the works! The app is testing the ability to add files to your DMs. Can you see yourself using this feature?
Carousel image count is going up, uP, UP!
Can’t choose just 10 images to add to your Instagram carousel post? The app is currently testing carousels with 15 photos.
Instagram says, “Sure, you can edit DMs!”
Have you ever wanted to edit a DM after you’ve sent it? We’ve all been there. With Instagram’s new update, you can edit your DMs within 15 minutes of sending! Plus, you can pin your chats and reply to messages with voice notes.
Instagram news: February 2024
Instagram Stories gets a new backdrop sticker update
It’s an AI-powered feature that will replace the background of your story images. Are you seeing this update on our account yet? It’s being (slowly) rolled out as we speak . . .
A Friend Map may be coming to Instagram
Is tracking your friends on your to-do list? You may be in luck. Instagram is testing a new map feature that would show you where your friends are. What do you think about this update?
Instagram may bring in a new engagement tool for live streams
If you live stream on Instagram, listen up. The app is testing out something new for live stream engagement: games!
Instagram introduces a video cut-out option for stickers
Last month, Instagram announced that you can make stickers out of your still images. Now, the app has turned things up a notch. You can create GIF-like videos that function as stickers.
Instagram may introduce a grid preview?
The app is currently testing a grid view, which would allow you to preview how photos or carousels will look in your feed before posting. (Shameless plug: You can already preview your IG grid when you schedule your social posts in HeyOrca!)
Bye-bye, read receipts!
Want to turn off your Instagram read receipts? Go to Privacy & Security settings in the Instagram app.
Instagram news: January 2024
Instagram *flips* things around with this new feature
It’s kind of like Close Friends. Instagram is testing a new feature called Flipside that lets users create an alternative Instagram profile that only select users can see.
Cancel an in-progress Instagram Story upload
You’ll love this update if you’ve ever thought, “Oops, I didn’t mean to post that story!”
Public collections is Instagram’s latest experiment
Want to create public collections on your Instagram profile? You may soon be able to!
New custom Add Yours templates come to Instagram
This update might help your Instagram engagement! The app now lets you create your own Add Yours templates for Stories.
Summary
That’s a wrap on Instagram news . . . until next month, of course. We update this resource monthly, so come back soon to discover even more Instagram news from 2024.
If you would prefer to get breaking social media news delivered to your inbox, we can make that happen, too! Subscribe to our free daily newsletter, the HeyOrca Brief. We’ll send you social media updates, free resources, templates, and more.
%20(2).png)
