With TikTok’s ban upheld, many content creators are shifting focus to Instagram to connect with their audiences. The platform has recently rolled out exciting updates designed to empower creators, making now the perfect time to double down on your Instagram strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the latest Instagram updates, why they matter, and actionable tips to help you grow your presence and build deeper audience connections.
1. Test New Audiences with Trial Reels
The Update: Instagram’s new Trial Reels feature allows creators to share their Reels with users who don’t follow them. This feature basically acts as a free boost, exposing your content to new audiences.
Approximately 24 hours after sharing a trial reel, you can access key engagement metrics, such as views, likes, comments, and shares. Instagram also provides insights to help you gauge performance compared to your previous trials. If your reel is performing well, you can choose to ‘share with everyone,’ boosting visibility to your followers and across Instagram’s surfaces. Alternatively, you can set it to automatically share with followers if Instagram determines it’s performing well within the first 72 hours.
Why It Matters: Trial Reels is a game-changer for creators looking to grow strategically. This feature acts as a built-in performance check, helping you focus on what works best while reaching new audiences with minimal effort. Creator economy expert Lia Haberman highlights its impact: “One creator I interviewed, Owen Holt, said he went from 300K followers to 800K during a beta test of the feature.”
Pro Tip: Start testing Trial Reels ASAP. Experiment with different types of content, from educational to entertaining, and analyze which resonates most with new audiences. Use this data to refine your content strategy.
2. Leverage DMs Better Audience Engagement
The Update: Instagram is testing a new DM scheduling feature, giving creators more control over when their messages are sent. This complements the platform’s broader push to make DMs a central focus, as highlighted by Instagram Head Adam Mosseri. In a recent announcement, Mosseri emphasized the importance of creating “shareworthy” content for DMs, while many creators are also using tools like broadcast channels and DM automations to foster deeper connections with their audience.
Why It Matters: DMs are becoming a key tool for creators to build personal relationships with their audience. By focusing on shareworthy, emotionally resonant content, you can increase the likelihood of your followers spreading your message or connecting with you through DMs, driving organic growth.
Pro Tip: Use DM automation tool to follow up with your audience at optimal times, such as after a successful post or Reel. Combine this with emotionally positive content that surprises or delights your followers. For example, send exclusive behind-the-scenes content or share engaging polls through broadcast channels to keep your community engaged and coming back for more.
3. Post Early to Maximize Engagement
The Update: Recent data from Later analyzed over 6 million Instagram posts and found the best posting times: 3 AM to 6 AM daily. Posting early reduces competition and captures traffic during users’ first scroll of the day, leading to higher engagement.
Why It Matters: Instagram rewards high engagement with greater algorithmic visibility, making timing critical for creators aiming to grow and attract brand partnerships.
Pro Tip: Schedule posts in advance and experiment with posting times to find your sweet spot. Use Instagram Insights to track engagement and adjust your posting schedule for optimal results.
4. Turn Your Reels into Revenue with ObsessedWith.It
The Update: ObsessedWith.It, MagicLinks’ shoppable storefront tool, allows creators to seamlessly integrate shoppable content into their Reels. By adding links to the products featured in your videos, you can turn your content into a monetized experience for your audience. Followers can easily shop your recommendations directly through your personalized storefront, creating a smooth and engaging shopping journey.
Why It Matters: With Instagram Reels gaining popularity and becoming a key discovery platform, ObsessedWith.It lets you combine creative storytelling with monetization. Sharing shoppable content not only provides value to your audience but also boosts your earning potential.
Pro Tip: Create visually captivating Reels featuring your favorite products and link them directly to your ObsessedWith.It storefront. For example, showcase a “Top 5 Winter Essentials” Reel and include a call-to-action encouraging followers to shop the products in your storefront. This approach builds trust with your audience and drives traffic to your storefront, maximizing both engagement and revenue.
Final Thoughts
Instagram is stepping up to fill the gap left by TikTok’s ban, offering creators more ways to grow and connect with their audiences. By leveraging these updates, experimenting with content, and utilizing Instagram’s tools strategically, you can thrive in 2025 and beyond.
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