Instagram is leaning further into social discovery with its latest update, rolling out a trio of new tools that promise to make the app feel more connected, interactive, and just a bit more like your group chat. Whether you’re into reposting memes, seeing what your friends are vibing with on Reels, or tracking where your favourite creators are posting from, there’s something new to play with.
Let’s break it down.
Reposts tab
Gone are the days of using awkward workarounds to reshare content you loved. Instagram is now officially letting users repost public Reels and feed posts directly to their profile. These reposts won’t hijack your grid; instead, they’ll live in a dedicated Reposts tab and may also be surfaced to your followers.
Reposting is simple: just tap the repost icon beneath the post or reel, and you’ll even get the option to add a short note via a pop-up thought bubble. Instagram makes sure the original creator gets full credit, and your repost helps their content reach new audiences.
A Live Map
Next up is the Instagram map, a new feature that offers a real-time look at where your friends and favourite creators are posting from. Think of it like Snap Map, but on Instagram, and with more control over your privacy.
Location sharing is off by default, and you’ll have the power to decide exactly who sees your location. Options range from sharing with all friends, just close friends, a selected few, or no one at all. There’s also a way to block location sharing in certain places, a thoughtful touch for when you’d rather not broadcast that late-night food run.
You’ll find the map at the top of your DM inbox. It’s currently being rolled out in the US, with a global launch coming soon.
A friends tab in Reels
Instagram is also making Reels a bit more social with the introduction of a Friends tab. This section highlights Reels your mates have interacted with, whether they’ve liked, commented, or shared them, giving you a sneak peek into what’s trending among your crew.
To make things even more personal, the feature taps into Blends, a recommendation system based on shared tastes between you and your friends. If you’d rather not share your own viewing habits, you’ll have the option to hide your activity or mute updates from certain friends.
All these changes are part of Instagram’s ongoing push to evolve from a photo-sharing app into a fully social experience that feels a bit more human. With these tools, keeping up with your friends, and what they’re watching, loving, and where they’re hanging out, just got a whole lot easier.
Whether you’re a chronic Reels scroller or a low-key lurker, Instagram’s latest update wants to bring you closer to your circle, one repost, reaction, and map pin at a time.
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