🚀 Major Instagram Updates & Features (April 2025)

Hey Awesome People – Friends, Family, Subscriber and Esteemed Business Partners,

This week its all about the new Instagram Updates in April 2025.

Lets get started:

1. Auto-Share Reels to Stories

• Instagram now offers an option to automatically share Reels to Stories.

• Appears near “Share to Facebook” and “Share to Threads.”

• Debunks the myth that sharing Reels to Stories reduces reach.

• Key advice: If your Stories engagement is low, it's likely due to inconsistent or passive use (i.e., only reposting), not because of sharing Reels.

2. Reel Drafting Performance Myth Debunked

• Adam Mosseri (Instagram Head) confirmed there's no penalty for saving Reels as drafts.

• Use drafts freely to stay consistent and plan ahead.

🎬 Instagram’s New “Edits” App (CapCut Competitor)

Highlights:

• Standalone app focused on high-quality content creation.

• Will include features like:

  • Multi-project editing tab

  • AI-powered still image animation

  • Cutouts & Canva-style tools

  • High-res image and video capture

  • Export without watermark

  • Collaboration tools with real-time feedback

  • Built-in analytics

Strategic Benefit:

• Reels edited in “Edits” get labeled (“Made with Edits”), possibly offering algorithmic boost & better playback quality.

• Goal: Compete with CapCut, especially after TikTok’s uncertain future in some regions.

✂️ Instagram Removing Less-Used Features

3. Instagram Notes Removed

• Notes (floating text bubbles) are being phased out.

• Reason: Instagram aims to simplify the app and focus on features that promote connection and content discovery.

• Echoes TikTok’s decision to shut down their photo-first “Notes” app.

🎥 Reel Playback & New Viewer Options

4. Fast-Forward & Double Speed for Reels

• Long-press the right side of the screen to watch Reels at 2x speed.

• Makes 3-minute Reels more digestible.

• Great for power users or fast content consumption.

📊 Advanced Insights for Creators

5. New Instagram Insights Metrics

• View rate: % of viewers who watched vs. reached.

• Views over time: Track performance curve.

• Personalized tips: Suggestions to improve your content (e.g., better hooks, intros).

Why it matters: Helps creators refine their approach and understand audience behavior better—like YouTube Analytics.

💬 Direct Message (DM) Features

6. Schedule DMs

• Can now schedule messages up to 29 days in advance.

• Great for creators, businesses, and automation (especially with tools like ManyChat).

7. DM Translations

• Messages can be translated into 99 languages.

• Tap elements like captions and stickers are also being translated automatically.

• Goal: Support international growth and better accessibility.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Instagram is focusing on:

  • Creator tools (via Edits app),

  • Real performance insights,

  • Simplifying user experience,

  • Global accessibility.

• Many changes are inspired by competition with TikTok and YouTube.

• Some features (e.g., Edits app) are still rolling out or in testing—expect staggered availability.

That's a wrap for this week's AI and Marketing newsletter! Hope it sparked some ideas and got those marketing gears turning. If you're feeling the vibe, why not spread the love? Share this newsletter with your network – it's just a click away and means the world to me. Here's to a week of smashing goals and making waves!

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Best regards,

Patrick Müller

www.asaphub.io