Instagram, one of the world’s most widely used social media platforms, continues to evolve in 2025. In its latest update, the platform has rolled out three major features aimed at strengthening social connections, improving content sharing, and enhancing user experience. These include:
- Reposting feature
- A new Instagram Map
- Friends Tab in Reels
This move by Instagram reflects its ongoing efforts to make the app more social and interactive, encouraging users to engage more deeply with their friends’ content rather than just consume passive media.
Reposting Feature: Instagram Gets More Interactive
What is it?
Instagram now allows users to repost content, including public Reels and Feed posts, directly to their own profiles. This works similarly to retweeting on X or resharing on TikTok.
When a user reposts content:
- It appears in followers’ feeds as a suggested post.
- It is saved in a dedicated “Reposts” tab on their profile.
- The original creator is credited automatically.
- An optional “note” or caption can be added.
Why it matters
Previously, users could only reshare posts to Stories or send them via direct messages. This new repost feature gives users a chance to curate content on their profiles — showing what they support or relate to — while giving creators and brands increased visibility.
For creators
This is a win for influencers and businesses. Reposts help increase engagement, reach, and even drive traffic to their original posts without the need for paid promotions. Instagram is also expected to add analytics for reposts, enabling creators to track reposted content performance.
Instagram Map: Explore and Connect by Location
What is it?
Instagram has introduced a new Map feature, allowing users to:
- Share their real-time location with friends.
- See where friends have recently been active, such as restaurants, events, or travel locations.
- Drop Notes on the map, such as quick thoughts, photos, or emojis pinned to a location.
This feature closely resembles functionality offered by Snap Map but with Instagram’s own design and privacy protections.
Privacy First
- Opt-in only: By default, location sharing is turned off.
- Users choose who can see their location — from close friends to select contacts.
- Location is updated only when the app is open — never in the background.
- Teens’ guardians get notifications when location sharing is turned on under supervised accounts.
Use Cases
The Map feature is especially useful for:
- Meeting up with friends nearby.
- Discovering trending spots in real-time.
- Sharing local recommendations visually and socially.
This adds a new layer of social interaction to the platform beyond visuals, bringing in a spatial element that aligns with how people move and interact in the real world.
Reels Friends Tab: Discover What Your Friends Are Watching
What is it?
Instagram has added a “Friends” tab in the Reels section that shows:
- What Reels your friends have liked, commented on, or shared.
- A stream of content based on mutual activity and shared interests.
This feature is similar to social discovery on other platforms, where users can stay informed about what their network is enjoying.
Key Features
- A smart algorithm curates content based on you and your friends’ interactions.
- It helps users find content faster without needing to browse randomly.
- It encourages authentic engagement and discussion around shared videos.
Privacy Controls
Users are given full control over what they share. You can:
- Turn off visibility of your likes or reposts.
- Mute other users whose Reels activity you don’t want to see.
- Fully opt out of showing up in your friends’ “Friends” tab feed.
Instagram’s New Features at a Glance
To make it easier to understand, here’s a quick table summarizing these features:
| Feature | Functionality | Privacy & Control |
|---|---|---|
| Repost | Re-share public Reels and posts to your feed & profile | Note option; credit to original creator; can delete repost |
| Instagram Map | Share location, discover where friends are active, drop Notes | Opt-in; app must be open; audience can be customized |
| Reels Friends Tab | See what Reels friends liked or commented on | Mute friends, hide your activity, or opt out completely |
Why Instagram Introduced These Features
Instagram has faced criticism over recent years for becoming too algorithmic and less focused on social connections. These new features aim to bring the app back to its roots — by emphasizing friends, personal content curation, and community interaction.
Goals of the Update:
- Increase engagement between users who already follow each other.
- Encourage authentic content discovery through social circles.
- Improve the way creators and influencers share and promote posts.
These tools also make it easier for casual users to stay active on the platform without needing to create new content every day — by resharing and interacting with content they love.
How to Use the New Instagram Features
Here’s a quick guide on how to access and use each new tool.
How to Repost on Instagram:
- Open the post or Reel you want to repost.
- Tap the repost icon below the post.
- Add an optional thought bubble (caption).
- Tap “Share.”
- It will appear in your followers’ feeds and on your profile’s Reposts tab.
How to Use Instagram Map:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap the DM icon, then the map icon at the top.
- Opt in and choose which friends can view your location.
- View real-time locations of friends who’ve also opted in.
- Drop Notes to share your thoughts at specific spots.
How to Explore the Friends Tab in Reels:
- Go to the Reels section in your Instagram app.
- Tap the Friends tab at the top.
- Browse Reels your friends have liked, reposted, or commented on.
- Use settings to adjust whose activity you see.
Public Response and User Reactions
The rollout has sparked mixed reactions across the user base.
Positive Feedback:
- Users appreciate the added visibility for creators through reposts.
- Location-based discovery adds local value and spontaneity.
- The Friends tab provides a more intimate way to discover Reels.
Criticisms:
- Some feel that Instagram is “borrowing too many ideas” from other platforms.
- Others are concerned about over-cluttered feeds with reposts and friend activity.
- There are still lingering privacy concerns, even with opt-in location sharing.
Despite this, many users see the potential for these tools to make Instagram feel more social again, encouraging connection instead of just content consumption.
Final Thoughts
With this 2025 update, Instagram is leaning back into being a “social” platform rather than just a visual feed. These new features — reposting, location sharing, and the Reels friends tab — are all designed to make the experience more engaging, personal, and community-driven.
Whether you’re a creator looking to get noticed, a casual user wanting to keep up with friends, or someone who enjoys exploring new places, Instagram’s new tools aim to make your experience richer and more interactive.
