Instagram’s New Era: The Updates Everyone Needs to Know

Instagram has been busy rolling out a wave of new features designed to help creators level up their content and connect with audiences more effectively. With the platform constantly evolving, it's crucial for artists to adapt quickly and take advantage of these updates to stay ahead. If you’re an artist looking to make the most of your social media presence, these changes could be game-changers. Let’s dive into the biggest updates, including a new Instagram grid layout, an advanced editing app, and extended Reels length.

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The New Instagram Grid & Full-Screen Feed Layout

One of the most noticeable changes is the updated Instagram grid layout and new full-screen feed experience, which now offers more flexibility in how your profile feed is displayed. The new standard feed post aspect ratio is 4:5, but grid previews are displayed in 3:4, meaning the sides of your images may be slightly cropped when viewed on your profile.

Additionally, while you can still post other image sizes, Reels will be automatically cropped to 4:5 in the feed, ensuring a consistent vertical format.

What This Means for You:

• Images and videos will take up more screen space, increasing engagement.
• Vertical content will stand out more, so consider optimising future posts with this in mind.
• If you’re a musician promoting album art, tour posters, or behind-the-scenes shots, this update gives you more real estate to play with.
• Make sure your key visual elements aren’t cut off at the sides in your profile grid, or the top or the bottom for Reels.
• Experiment with bold, engaging images and videos that fill the frame.

Now’s the time to rethink your visuals and ensure your content aligns with Instagram’s evolving design.‍

Instagram’s Future Profile Changes

Instagram isn’t stopping with the new grid—more updates are on the horizon, giving creators even greater control over how their profiles look and function. Here’s what’s coming:

• Customisable Thumbnails: Instagram is working on a feature that will let users customise their grid thumbnails, helping artists curate a visually consistent profile even with the new layout.
• Highlights as a Tab: To simplify profiles, Highlights will be moved into their own tab instead of sitting above the grid. This will create a cleaner look while still allowing artists to showcase key moments.
• Re-Order Your Grid: A long-requested feature, soon you’ll be able to rearrange your posts within the grid, giving you full control over how your profile looks.
• Grid-Only Posting: Instagram is introducing an option to post content directly to your grid without pushing it into followers’ feeds—perfect for keeping your profile looking sharp without overwhelming your audience with frequent posts.

These planned updates signal Instagram’s push toward a more flexible, creator-first platform, allowing musicians, artists, and content creators to shape their profiles in a way that best represents their brand.

Edits by Instagram: A New Tool for Next-Level Reels

Instagram has introduced Edits by Instagram, a new standalone app that simplifies short-form video editing. This tool is perfect for artists who want to create polished, engaging Reels without needing third-party software.

Key Features:

• Clip-level editing for precise cuts and seamless transitions.
• Advanced effects and overlays to enhance your visuals.
• Real-time insights to track performance and optimise engagement.

For musicians and visual artists, this means you can create high-quality teaser videos, tour recaps, and behind-the-scenes content with greater ease.

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Reels Now Up to 3 Minutes Long

Instagram is expanding Reels length to 3 minutes, giving artists more time to tell their story. Whether you want to share a mini-documentary, showcase a live performance, or go deeper into your creative process, longer Reels open up new possibilities.

What this means for artists:

• Share full song previews or performance clips rather than just snippets.
• Take fans behind the scenes of your songwriting, studio sessions, or tour life.
• Use multiple audio tracks to create more dynamic video content.

Plus, these extended Reels are still eligible for recommendations, meaning more chances for discovery!

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Reels Cross-Posting to Threads

Instagram is making it easier than ever to share content across platforms. Now, you can cross-post your Reels to Threads with a simple toggle. You can set this feature for individual posts or enable it for all future Reels.

Why This Matters:

• Expands your reach beyond Instagram and onto another growing platform.
• Saves time on manually reposting content.
• Increases engagement with different audiences across apps.

If you’re already active on Threads or want to start building an audience there, this feature is a simple way to stay connected.

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Conclusion

Instagram’s latest updates are all about enhancing the creator experience—whether that’s through better editing tools, extended video formats, or a fresh new look for your profile. As an artist, these changes present new opportunities to engage with your audience, showcase your work, and build a more dynamic presence on the platform.

Now’s the time to experiment with the new features and see what works best for your content. Stay ahead of the curve and make sure your posts are optimised for Instagram’s evolving landscape — your fans (and the algorithm) will thank you!