3 New Instagram Features You Must Know in 2025

Instagram continues to be one of the most powerful platforms for brands, creators, and marketers. With over 2 billion monthly active users, it’s no longer just a place for personal photos — it’s where trends are born, businesses are discovered, and communities thrive.

In 2025, Instagram has rolled out three exciting new features: Reposts Made Simple, Discover with Instagram Map, and Friends Tab in Reels.

These updates are not just cosmetic. They are built to increase engagement, discovery, and community-driven interactions — all of which are golden opportunities for businesses and marketers.

In this blog, we’ll explore these new features in depth, their impact on brands, and how you can use them to grow your audience, increase sales, and stay ahead of the competition.

Why Instagram Features Matter for Marketers in 2025

Social media moves fast. What worked last year may not work today. Every new feature that Instagram introduces has the potential to shift user behavior. For marketers, this means adapting quickly and experimenting with fresh strategies.

For example:

When Stories launched, early adopters gained massive visibility.
When Reels launched, brands who pivoted quickly saw huge organic reach.
Now in 2025, these three new updates are creating similar opportunities.

If you understand them early and align them with your marketing strategy, you’ll be positioned ahead of competitors who are still figuring it out.

1. Reposts Made Simple

What It Is

Until now, reposting content on Instagram was clunky. Users relied on third-party apps or screenshots to share posts. With this update, Instagram introduces a native Repost option.

You can share public Reels & posts with your followers instantly.
A new Reposts Tab is added to your profile.
Creators still receive full credit when their content is shared.

Why It Matters for Brands

This feature has huge implications for content amplification:

User-Generated Content (UGC): Brands can easily repost customer photos, testimonials, or reviews.
Influencer Partnerships: Influencer-created posts can now be reshared seamlessly.
Content Longevity: High-performing posts can be resurfaced to new audiences.

Instead of spending more on content creation, you can now maximize the impact of existing content.

How to Use It

Encourage customers to tag your brand in their posts.
Repost influencer content to showcase collaborations.
Create campaigns where reposting becomes part of the engagement (e.g., “Tag us and get featured on our Reposts Tab”).

2. Discover with Instagram Map

What It Is

The Instagram Map gets a major upgrade in 2025. Now, users can explore tagged places their friends share — from trendy cafés to concerts and hidden local hotspots.

Fully opt-in only for privacy.
Includes parental controls for younger users.
Designed to make real-world discovery more social.

Why It Matters for Brands

This is a game-changer for local businesses and marketers. Imagine your café, restaurant, or boutique being tagged on Instagram — it’s now discoverable to friends-of-friends through the map.

It’s like word-of-mouth, but with visual proof.

Hospitality Businesses: Cafés, restaurants, hotels, and resorts can leverage it for visibility.
Event Spaces: Concerts, workshops, and exhibitions gain more traction when tagged.
Retail: Stores can boost foot traffic when customers tag them.

How to Use It

Optimize your Google Business Profile + Instagram profile with accurate location details.
Encourage customers to check in or tag your location in their Stories.
Run campaigns with hashtags like #FindUsOnTheMap to build hype.

3. Friends Tab in Reels

What It Is

Reels remain the most engaging content format on Instagram, and now it’s getting more personal. With the Friends Tab, users can see:

What their friends liked
What they commented on
What they reposted

This update makes Instagram feel closer to real social interaction rather than just algorithm-driven feeds.

Why It Matters for Brands

The power of social discovery cannot be underestimated. When people see that their friends are engaging with content, they are more likely to check it out.

For brands, this means:

Increased Visibility: Your Reels can spread through personal networks.
Better Engagement: Friends amplify each other’s activity.
Trust & Social Proof: If someone’s friend interacts with your brand, it feels more authentic.

How to Use It

Focus on share-worthy Reels (fun, valuable, relatable).
Add hooks in the first 3 seconds to grab attention.
Encourage engagement with CTAs like “Tag a friend who needs this.”
Leverage trending sounds but make them brand-relevant.

How Brands Can Stay Ahead with These Features

Here are a few strategies you can implement immediately:

Repost Strategically
Don’t just repost randomly. Curate UGC and influencer content that builds trust and aligns with your brand voice.
Boost Local Presence
For businesses with physical locations, Instagram Map visibility should be a core goal. Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) is consistent across platforms.
Reel + Friends Tab Strategy
Create Reels that spark conversation. Focus on relatable moments, humor, or educational quick tips — things people want to share with friends.
Data + Insights
Track what gets reposted, what locations drive visibility, and which Reels your audience shares most. Adapt your content accordingly.

The Bigger Picture: Social Media in 2025

These features highlight a broader trend:

Social platforms are becoming more community-driven.
Privacy and opt-in discovery are prioritized.
Brands must shift from broadcasting to engaging.

In other words, success on Instagram in 2025 will depend on how well you integrate your brand into communities, conversations, and real-world experiences.

Final Thoughts

Instagram’s 2025 updates — Reposts, Instagram Map, and Friends Tab in Reels — are more than just “new buttons.” They’re signals of where social media is heading: towards deeper connections, authentic discovery, and community trust.

If you’re a marketer or business owner, now is the time to adapt. Learn these features, experiment with them, and use them to make your brand more visible and relatable.

🚀 At Kodo Kompany, we help brands stay ahead of the curve. From social strategy to creative campaigns, we’re your marketing heartbeat.

👉 Ready to integrate these Instagram updates into your 2025 strategy? Let’s talk.

Instagram Repost Feature: Boost Engagement in 2025

Instagram Repost Feature: How Brands Can Maximize Engagement in 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Instagram continues to innovate, providing brands with new tools to enhance their visibility and engagement. One of the most significant updates in 2025 is the introduction of the Instagram repost feature. This functionality allows users to share posts and reels from other accounts directly to their feeds, creating a seamless way to amplify content and foster community engagement. In this article, we will explore how brands can leverage this feature to maximize their reach and build stronger connections with their audience.

Understanding the Instagram Repost Feature

The Instagram repost feature is a game-changer for brands looking to enhance their social media strategy. Unlike traditional sharing methods that often require third-party applications or manual screenshots, this feature allows users to repost content directly from their feeds. This not only simplifies the sharing process but also ensures that the original creator receives proper credit.

Key Benefits of the Repost Feature

Increased Visibility: When a brand’s content is reposted, it reaches a wider audience, including followers of the user who shared it. This organic reach can significantly boost brand awareness.
Authenticity and Trust: User-generated content (UGC) is often perceived as more authentic than traditional advertising. When customers share your content, it builds trust and credibility among their followers.
Community Engagement: Reposting encourages interaction and engagement within your community. It shows that you value your customers’ opinions and contributions, fostering a sense of belonging.
Content Diversification: By reposting content from customers or influencers, brands can diversify their feeds without the constant pressure to create new content.

How to Use the Instagram Repost Feature Effectively

To make the most of the Instagram repost feature, brands should adopt a strategic approach. Here are some actionable tips to help you get started:

Create Shareable Content

The first step in maximizing the repost feature is to create content that resonates with your audience. This could include:

High-Quality Visuals: Invest in professional photography or graphic design to ensure your posts stand out.
Engaging Captions: Write captions that encourage followers to share your content. Posing questions or inviting feedback can prompt users to repost.
Branded Hashtags: Develop a unique hashtag for your brand and encourage users to include it in their posts. This makes it easier to find and repost user-generated content.

Encourage User Participation

Engaging your audience is crucial for driving reposts. Here are some strategies to consider:

Contests and Challenges: Host contests that encourage users to share their experiences with your products. Offer incentives for the best reposts.
Feature Customer Stories: Regularly highlight customer testimonials or success stories on your feed. This not only showcases your products but also encourages others to share their experiences.

Monitor and Analyze Engagement

To understand the impact of your repost strategy, it’s essential to track engagement metrics. Use Instagram Insights to monitor:

Reach and Impressions: Analyze how many people are seeing your reposted content.
Engagement Rates: Look at likes, comments, and shares to gauge how well your content resonates with your audience.
Follower Growth: Track any increases in followers after implementing your repost strategy.

Best Practices for Reposting Content

While the repost feature offers numerous benefits, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure a positive experience for both your brand and your audience.

Always Give Credit

When reposting content, always credit the original creator. This not only shows respect for their work but also encourages others to share your content in the future. Tagging the original user in your caption or using Instagram’s built-in credit feature is essential.

Maintain a Balanced Feed

While reposting is a valuable strategy, it’s important to maintain a balance between original content and reposted material. Aim for a mix that reflects your brand’s identity while showcasing community contributions.

Engage with Your Audience

After reposting, take the time to engage with your audience. Respond to comments, thank users for sharing your content, and encourage further interaction. This helps build a loyal community around your brand.

Leveraging Influencer Partnerships

Influencer marketing remains a powerful tool for brands, and the repost feature can enhance these partnerships. Here’s how to effectively collaborate with influencers:

Choose the Right Influencers

Select influencers whose values align with your brand. Their audience should also match your target demographic to ensure maximum impact.

Encourage Authentic Content

When working with influencers, encourage them to create authentic content that showcases your products in a relatable way. This could include tutorials, reviews, or lifestyle posts.

Repost Influencer Content

When influencers share content featuring your products, repost it on your feed. This not only provides social proof but also strengthens your relationship with the influencer and their audience.

Building a Community Through Reposts

The repost feature is not just about increasing visibility; it’s also about building a community. Here are some strategies to foster a sense of belonging among your followers:

Launch Community Initiatives

Consider launching initiatives that encourage community participation. This could include:

Branded Challenges: Create challenges that encourage users to share their experiences with your products.
Highlighting Community Contributions: Regularly feature user-generated content on your feed to showcase your community’s creativity.

Foster Open Communication

Encourage open communication with your audience. Ask for feedback on your products and services, and be responsive to their suggestions. This helps create a two-way dialogue that strengthens community ties.

Conclusion

The Instagram repost feature is a powerful tool for brands looking to enhance their engagement and visibility in 2025. By creating shareable content, encouraging user participation, and leveraging influencer partnerships, brands can maximize the benefits of this feature. Remember to maintain authenticity, give credit, and engage with your audience to build a loyal community around your brand. As we continue to navigate the dynamic world of social media, embracing new features like reposting will be essential for staying relevant and connected with your audience.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively utilize the Instagram repost feature to not only increase your brand’s reach but also foster a vibrant community that supports and champions your products.