Instagram has just unveiled some game-changing updates that could dramatically shift how influencers, creators, and brands approach content strategy.
Instagram’s latest updates introduce four new engagement-focused analytics, giving creators the tools they need to better understand what’s resonating with their audience.
Here’s a deep dive into how these new metrics work and how you can use them to optimise your content strategy:
The exact moment people liked your reel
Understanding when your audience interacts with your content can reveal powerful insights. Instagram now gives you the ability to see exactly when likes spike on your Reels.
If you notice that likes tend to increase after a particular moment, consider incorporating these elements more frequently in your future content. If your audience is responding to certain ideas, use this to shape your future posts.
Which slide of your carousel people liked
Carousels are one of the most popular and effective ways to rack up engagement, but until now, there hasn’t been a straightforward way to measure it across individual slides. Now, Instagram will show you which slide in your carousel received the most love.
Now you have the chance to experiment with different slide orders to see if positioning changes the way people engage. This insight is invaluable for refining the structure of your carousels.
Which posts are bringing new followers in
Your highest-engaged post might not be your best growth driver. Instagram’s new metric will show you exactly which content is pulling in new followers, allowing you to see beyond simple engagement metrics.
Replicating the elements that spark organic growth will help you build a more engaged, relevant following.
Who exactly is watching your content
Instagram will now provide much more detailed viewer insights, such as location, age and interests.
Understanding who is watching your content gives you a more personalised view of your audience. This allows for targeted optimisation, making sure you create content that speaks directly to the people who are most likely to engage or convert.
Understanding the demographic makeup of your viewers can open up new content opportunities and potentially shift the direction of your strategy.
Plus: Instagram’s new Close Friends features
On top of these new analytics, Instagram has also rolled out new features designed to enhance the sense of community and make the platform feel even more interactive.
Reposts
Now you can reshare your favourite public videos and have them appear in a dedicated tab on your profile or in your friends’ recommendations. This is a powerful way to increase visibility and cross-promote content with others in your niche or sphere of influence.
Friend Map
Although this has proved a controversial decision online, the new Friend Map allows you to share your location with a select group of friends.
Friends Feed in the Reels tab
Now you’ll see Reels content that your friends are enjoying. This has been available in the US for a while, but has now been rolled out worldwide. It’s an interesting way to increase social discovery and make your feed feel more personal.
Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s Head, has shared that these updates are designed to make the platform more “participatory,” not just a place for passive consumption, but a space for active engagement and connection.
"We don't want Instagram to just be a lean-back experience that is fun and entertaining, but also a participatory one, where you actually engage with and connect with the people that you care about,” Mosseri said.
With these updates, creators now have an even greater opportunity to optimise their content for both engagement and growth. By understanding when people engage with your posts, which content sparks real action, and who is engaging with you, you can refine your strategy and build deeper, more meaningful connections with your audience.
