Podcast Summary: Build Your Tribe | Grow Your Business with Social Media

Episode: 5 Massive New Changes To Instagram - January 2025 Updates - 819
Host: Brock Johnson
Release Date: January 23, 2025

In this comprehensive episode of Build Your Tribe, host Brock Johnson delves deep into the whirlwind of recent and upcoming changes on Instagram as of January 2025. With Instagram and TikTok undergoing significant overhauls, Brock provides valuable insights tailored for business owners and content creators aiming to navigate and leverage these updates for brand growth and audience engagement.

1. Introduction to Instagram's Recent Overhauls

Brock opens the discussion by highlighting the unprecedented number of changes Instagram has implemented between January 17 and January 20, 2025. He emphasizes that these updates, although overshadowed by TikTok's temporary shutdown and subsequent revival, are pivotal for users aiming to grow their presence on the platform.

“...there were so many changes that were massive complete overhauls to both Instagram and TikTok.” [00:28]

2. Trial Reels: A New Testing Ground

Bonus Feature: Introduced in December 2024, Trial Reels allow users to post content exclusively visible to non-followers. This feature serves as a testing mechanism to gauge reel performance among a fresh audience.

• Strategy: Brock suggests reposting high-performing reels as trial reels to potentially attract tens of thousands of new followers with minimal effort.

“Some of our students have been gaining literally tens of thousands of followers by reposting their best reels as trial reels.” [05:15]

3. Simplification of Community Guidelines and Fact-Checking Changes

Instagram, under Mark Zuckerberg's direction, has revamped its community guidelines to be less restrictive, particularly concerning political content. Previously, political posts were limited in their reach to non-followers. Now, such content can be recommended broadly.

• Fact-Checking Shift: Instagram is replacing independent fact checkers with a community-driven system called Community Notes, allowing users to flag and correct misinformation collectively.

“Instagram is changing the way they do fact checking by putting it in the hands of the community rather than independent third parties.” [10:45]

• Implications: While some view this as a victory for free speech, others are concerned about the potential rise in misinformation.

4. Introducing the Friends Feed

A nostalgic return akin to Instagram’s old Activity tab, the Friends Feed showcases reels that your frequently interacting friends have liked. This feature fosters a sense of community by highlighting content within your existing social circles.

“It’s going to be a way to tap into your community and see what your friends are engaging and interacting with on Instagram.” [15:30]

• Business Impact: While primarily enhancing user connection, it also subtly aids content creators by exposing reels to audiences similar to their current followers.

5. Expansion of Reels Duration to Three Minutes

Instagram has extended the maximum length of reels from 90 seconds to three minutes, aiming to provide creators with more flexibility in content creation.

• Clarification: Brock distinguishes between standard reels receiving broader reach and previously longer videos that didn’t benefit from the same exposure.

“Now you’re able to post videos, aka reels, that are up to three minutes long and still receive that reach to non-followers.” [20:10]

• Best Practices: Adhering to the Miniskirt Rule, Brock advises creating content that's as long as necessary to maintain viewer engagement without unnecessary extensions.

6. Transition from Square to Rectangular Profile Grids

Instagram is moving away from the traditional square grid to a rectangular format, allowing for more vertical space in profile layouts.

• Visual Impact: This change may disrupt the aesthetic of highly curated profiles but offers a cleaner and less cluttered appearance overall.

“Instead of fitting in a tight square box, now you have a little bit more space vertically and below you.” [22:50]

• Action Steps: Users concerned about their profile aesthetics can adjust post covers for recent content to align with the new rectangular format.

7. Upcoming Features and Rumors

Brock outlines three official upcoming changes and one rumored update:

• Highlights Moving to a Separate Tab: Highlights will no longer occupy prime space below the bio but will have their dedicated tab within the profile grid, recognizing their declining usage rates.

• Customizable and Reorderable Profile Grids: Instagram is testing a feature allowing users to drag and arrange their posts freely, similar to YouTube’s channel customization. This unprecedented flexibility aims to enhance personal branding and visual storytelling.

“Coming soon, you will be able to reorder drag around your posts on your profile grid and make them look however you want.” [25:20]

• Instagram's New Editing App – Edits: Slated for a March 2025 launch, Edits is Instagram’s answer to CapCut, offering integrated editing tools with trending audios and performance analytics to streamline reel creation.

• Rumored App Redesign Focusing on DMs: There's speculation about a major overhaul of Instagram’s interface, prioritizing Direct Messages by relocating the DMs button to a more central position and swapping the positions of the Reels and Explore tabs. While this may cause initial confusion, it aims to enhance communication features.

“The rumor is that DMs are being moved to the center middle of the app, making them more of a focal point.” [26:45]

8. Promoting Insta Club Hub

Throughout the episode, Brock intermittently mentions the Insta Club Hub, a resource hub offering personalized content calendars, profile reviews, and growth strategies. He shares impressive results, citing an average growth of 15,900 followers among its members in the previous year.

“Last year our average engaged Insta Club Hub member grew by about 15,900 followers.” [23:40]

9. Closing Remarks

Brock wraps up by assuring listeners that while Instagram's rapid changes may seem daunting, staying informed and adaptable can turn these updates into opportunities for growth and engagement. He encourages regular app updates and active participation in new features to maintain a competitive edge.

“We're here to help you navigate your way through it and continue to grow on social media.” [27:00]

This episode serves as an essential guide for anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of Instagram. By dissecting each update and providing actionable advice, Brock Johnson equips listeners with the knowledge to effectively harness Instagram’s new features for business and personal brand expansion.