The platform has been continuously improved with feature advancements, better updates, and user data privacy & Security. There are extensive integrations to third-party programs, progressive user experience, and many other features.
We have listed the most important Instagram API updates and product updates. These changes could impact how you use Instagram to promote your brand, increase brand awareness, improve user experience, and more.
In 2025, Major Instagram Updates
1. Instagram now schedules posts.
With over 1 billion active users, Instagram is very popular with users. However, Instagram can be tedious to use manually, especially if you post multiple photos per day.
In this spirit, Instagram introduced the "Scheduled Posts" feature! This feature lets you schedule content ahead of time, which saves you time and keeps your profile active. In the Instagram app, you can schedule a photo, video, reel, or Carousel up to 75 days ahead.
Here's how it works:
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Open Advanced settings, then select "Schedule This Post" to schedule content using the Instagram post composer.
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After you have selected the date and time for the content to go live, tap schedule.
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This is it! Your content is now available for publication.
You can reap the benefits of Instagram scheduling posts by publishing more often during peak engagement periods. Find the most active times for your audience and post content there regularly.
To access this option, the user must have a business account.
2. Online teen safety and parental support are priorities for Instagram.
Instagram has launched a tool for parents and guardians to monitor their teens' social media activity. It also offers an educational hub that allows them to discuss social media with their teens.
Although this Instagram update is still in its initial stage, Instagram plans to grow. This is an attempt to improve communication between the parents and guardians of teens.
Parents and guardians can see how much time their teens spend on Instagram and can set time limits. Teens will be able to notify their parents if there is a concern and can report the person. This update gives teens a safe place to express their concerns.
These are the key takeaways from this update:
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This Instagram update will stop users from tagging and mentioning teens that they don't follow.
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Teens will find the recommendations in Search, Explore, Hashtags, and Suggested Accounts more restrictive than adults.
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Instagram will introduce teens to other topics if they are too focused on one topic.
3. You can now delete a specific photo from the Carousel.
This is the most awaited feature on Instagram. Instagram users can now edit or delete images from a carousel posting. This Instagram update is perfect for users who wish to keep the post but only want to delete one or more pictures.
Navigate to the carousel page> Click the top-right dots icon> Select Edit> Scroll through all the photos until you find the one you wish to delete> Tap on the top left delete icon.
You also have a 30-day option to restore your data in case of an emergency.
4. Insta Badges for Content Creators
Instagram allows Instagram users to add badges and monetize their content. This Instagram update allows them to make money, as their fans or followers can buy badges directly to support them.
Once an influencer has earned at least 100$, they can transfer the money to their account. The "turn on" button to earn badges can be found in the professional dashboard of eligible users. They can also apply for monetization if they aren't eligible.
5. A new way to collaborate
Instagram has launched the "Collab" feature that allows users to upload posts or reels together. Instagram updates offer content creators the opportunity to invite other users to collaborate and create posts or reels together.
Both users will see the collaborative post in their feeds. They will also share similar likes and comments on the post, which opens up many collaboration opportunities for content creators.
It opens the doors to:
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Brands engage creators with their ideas and insights
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Creators can find collaborators that are compatible with their work and category of content.
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Collab manager: Similar brands to explore for content creation
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Management of partnerships and sourcing new deals
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Brand insights when brands are tagged in the creator's content
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Instagram Graph API access for creators
6. Insta Stories: Create a public photo thread
Instagram is all about connecting people creatively. It has now introduced the "Add Yours" sticker to its Instagram Stories. Instagram users can upload stories related to any topic and challenge their followers to take photos related to it.
Users can tap on the sticker to upload a similar photo to their story. This will make the sticker available to their followers. This Instagram Update is great for users who have public accounts, as it allows them to share more photos. Brands can also use this feature to host photo contests and giveaways with customers to encourage them to produce user-generated content.
7. Recent API Changes
Instagram has updated its API for Live Video content as of November 9, 2021.
Instagram's latest API update allows users to stream their videos live, including IG media.
The latest Messaging API update allows users to retrieve all comments on videos and send private messages or replies to them.
8. Instagram Web Version
Instagram's web interface was updated to increase engagement and visual appeal. Adam Mosseri (CEO of Instagram) previously stated that the Instagram platform would be available on large-screen devices by 2022.
Chrome browser users will also experience a better user interface on iPads, according to reports. The new interface is being released to users all over the globe, but it's only currently available to select users in certain regions.
The new panel layout will include new icons and text. These are all designed to make it easier for users to understand and use the platform's functions. As it was on the previous platform, the story panel remains on the top row.
The new interface is different from the app's UI. Users can access many editing tools and post stories directly from the web version. Despite being unavailable for desktops due to mass distribution and information, the app will soon be available and working.