10 New Instagram Features in 2025 So Far That Small Business Owners Need to Know About

If you’ve ever felt like Instagram updates faster than you can say “algorithm,” you’re not alone. But this year? Instagram has actually delivered for small business owners. The latest features are smarter, easier to use, and focused on helping you show up and sell—without burning out.

Here are 10 of the newest Instagram features (launched in 2025) that are worth your time, with tips on how they can help you grow your business.

1. Teleprompter for Reels

Game. Changer. Instagram now offers a built-in teleprompter for Reels. You simply paste your script into the app, and the text scrolls while you record.

💡 How it helps: Perfect if you get flustered on camera or hate memorising scripts. You can now create confident, polished Reels in one take—no editing stress.

2. Trial Reels (Soft Launching a Reel)

Instagram is testing Trial Reels, allowing creators to post a Reel privately to test how it performs before going public.

💡 How it helps: Small businesses can test hooks, music, or formats before pushing content live—great for launches or promos where performance matters.

3. Instagram Recaps

Instagram now auto-generates monthly or seasonal recap posts using your top-performing content. You get a prompt to share a slick compilation of highlights.

💡 How it helps: A fun, low-effort way to show off wins, testimonials, or products—perfect for reminding your audience why they love your brand.

4. Instagram Posts Showing Up in Google Search

Big win for visibility! Instagram has started testing indexing public posts on Google—including profiles and Reels.

💡 How it helps: More chances for potential customers to discover you outside of Instagram. Think SEO meets social media.

5. New Carousel Insights

Finally, better data! Instagram now shows which image in your carousel got the most taps/swipes, so you know what grabbed attention.

💡 How it helps: Helps you improve future content—especially product showcases, tutorials, or storytelling posts—by knowing what actually worked.

6. Auto Scroll (Currently Rolling Out)

Instagram is quietly rolling out auto-scroll—similar to TikTok—where the app moves you to the next piece of content without tapping.

💡 How it helps: With users passively consuming more content, it’s never been more important to hook them in the first second. Great time to revisit your Reels intros!

7. Broadcast Channels for Business Accounts

Initially creator-only, now open to all. Broadcast Channels let you send one-way updates (like a newsletter) directly to followers via DMs.

💡 How it helps: Share product drops, behind-the-scenes, or limited-time offers with your most engaged audience—without messing with the feed or Stories.

8. Reposting with a Dedicated Tab

Instagram now lets you repost someone else’s content to your profile—and it shows up in a separate “Reposts” tab (just like Tagged posts).

💡 How it helps: Great for sharing customer testimonials, UGC, or collabs without clogging your main grid. Keeps your profile clean and professional.

9. 20-Minute Reels

The max Reel length has increased to 20 minutes for some users—ideal for in-depth tutorials, mini-webinars, or storytelling.

💡 How it helps: No need to send people to YouTube. Share longer form content natively, which helps build trust and keep followers on your profile longer.

10. In-App Content Tips (Lightbulb Icon)

If you’ve noticed a lightbulb icon while posting, it’s Instagram’s new way of offering real-time content advice. It might suggest better formats, trending music, or caption prompts based on your post.

💡 How it helps: It’s like having a mini social media coach in your pocket—especially useful if you’re not confident with strategy or trends.

So, What Should You Try First?

If your time is limited (whose isn’t?), I recommend starting with these:

• Use the teleprompter to batch film Reels without fluff.
• Set up a Broadcast Channel to update your superfans.
• Try Reposts to show social proof without extra effort.
• Watch your Carousel Insights to learn what’s working.
• Let the lightbulb tips guide your next few posts.

All of these tools are free and designed to help small businesses succeed—even if you’re short on time, budget, or confidence.

Need Help Using These Features?

Inside my Insta Queen Members Area, you’ll find step-by-step trainings that walk you through exactly how to use features like these to grow your business and get real results.

✅ Bite-sized trainings
✅ The Insta Queen Bot (your 24/7 IG coach)
✅ Caption help, content prompts, hashtag advice
✅ All for just £15 a month—no contracts, cancel anytime

👉 DM me “MEMBER” on Instagram @estellekeeberofficial and I’ll send the link.

Instagram is changing—but for once, in a good way. These new tools are practical, impactful, and built to support creators and business owners like you. Give one (or all!) a try this week—and if you want help making them work for your business, you know where to find me.