Instagram’s brand new features - June update
Instagram’s been busy. In true social media fashion, it’s dropped a bunch of shiny new updates – some fun, some nobody asked for, and a few that are actually worth paying attention to if you’re trying to grow your business or brand online.
If you’re not glued to every Instagram update (you’ve got better things to do), here’s the lowdown, and what they mean for your content strategy.
You Can Now Rearrange Your Grid
Finally.
Instagram’s testing a new feature that lets you move your posts around on your profile grid. So if your feed’s looking a bit… chaotic? You can tidy it up without deleting half your content.
This is great news for creators and businesses who want their profile to feel curated without being locked into a rigid “aesthetic.” Think of it as your chance to Marie Kondo your grid.
Why it matters:
Your Instagram profile is your shop window. A clean, intentional grid makes a better first impression – especially for new visitors checking you out for the first time.
Trial Reels Are Now a Thing – for Everyone
Trial Reels were previously only available to select users, but now they’ve been rolled out across the board. This feature lets you share your reel to non-followers first, giving it a little test drive before it goes out to your actual audience.
Why it matters:
It’s a clever way to experiment with content without worrying about it flopping in front of your followers. Perfect for testing new ideas, styles or formats.
Quiet Mode for Posts
Instagram is exploring a way to post to your profile without sending that content into everyone’s feed. It still lives on your grid, but unless someone goes looking, they won’t see it pop up while scrolling.
Why it matters:
This is ideal for soft launches, experimental content, or the kind of posts that matter to you but don’t need the whole internet to see them right away.
Share What You’re Listening To (via Notes)
You can now link your Spotify account to your Instagram Notes (yep, people still use Notes apparently) to show off your current soundtrack. Because nothing says “I have a personality” like a niche playlist.
Why it matters:
Realistically? It probably doesn’t – unless music is part of your brand, or you want to add a little personality to your profile. For most small businesses, this is more fun than functional.
Weekly + Monthly Creator Insights
Creators will now receive automated performance summaries – including post views, views from non-followers, and follower growth over time. Basically: stats, delivered to your inbox, without needing to trawl through the backend.
Why it matters:
Understanding what’s working (and what’s not) helps you make smarter content decisions. And if you’re working with a social media manager (hi 👋), this kind of data is gold dust.
New Font, Who Dis?
Instagram’s rolling out a new custom font inspired by Spanish singer Rosalía’s handwriting, available for Stories and Reels. It’s a fun little touch for those who want more creative options beyond the default (slightly tired) fonts we’ve all been recycling.
Why it matters:
Visually? It might freshen things up. Strategically? Don’t lose sleep over it.
So, what’s actually worth paying attention to?
If you don’t fancy diving headfirst into every new feature, here’s a quick hit list of what’s actually useful for small businesses, creators, and brands:
Grid rearranging – great for curating your profile and making a stronger first impression
Trial reels – handy for testing reach and content ideas
Creator insights – crucial for strategy and growth tracking
Everything else? Fun, but not essential.
Instagram’s always testing something – and while not every update will be a game changer, the platform’s making it easier to experiment, edit, and understand your content performance. If you’ve been feeling like the algorithm’s a mystery or your posts are going into the void, some of these new tools might help you take a more thoughtful, strategic approach.
If that sounds overwhelming (or just not something you want to spend your evenings googling), that’s where I come in.
