A new ManyChat integration allows auto-DMs to new followers. The most effective strategy is to resist the urge to sell immediately. Instead, use this feature to express gratitude and start a conversation, capitalizing on the peak moment of a user's interest to build a long-term relationship.
Instagram has quietly removed the ability to automatically share Reels to Facebook and no longer combines view counts. This forces creators to manually post on both platforms and signals a strategic shift, potentially deflating the reach some creators were experiencing from the combined platforms.
A non-obvious tactic to boost visibility is adding music to carousel posts. This small addition makes the carousel eligible to appear on the Reels tab, which is being moved to a more central and highly trafficked position in Instagram's new layout, increasing potential reach for static content.
The new app layout moves the Reels and Direct Messages tabs to more central positions on the bottom navigation bar. This redesign isn't just cosmetic; it clearly indicates Instagram's strategic priorities are short-form video for discovery and private messaging for community engagement.
A new feature in testing will allow users to select the exact moment a Reel begins playing when shared to a Story. This moves beyond the default start, enabling creators to strategically use a video's climax or a high-impact moment as a hook to drive viewers from Stories to the full Reel.
For the first time, Instagram is testing clickable links in Reel captions. This is a monumental shift from its long-held strategy of keeping users within the app at all costs. If rolled out, it could transform Instagram into a primary traffic driver for businesses, fundamentally changing its value.