Everything you need to know about social media updates in January
We’re only about a month into 2025, but it kind of feels like we’ve had half a year’s worth of changes on social media, doesn’t it?
It may feel a bit overwhelming, so let’s take a moment to take a breather, review the changes this past month, and think about what it could mean for the future.
There have been many updates/changes on Instagram, let’s talk about each of them:
The square grid has been replaced by a rectangular one
The switch to a 4:5 ratio is perhaps one of the biggest updates to Instagram this month and many users are unhappy with the change. That may include you. Maybe you’ve carefully created and curated your grid to look a certain way, maybe you just don’t like it. Whatever the case, it can be frustrating.
When it comes to working with the new feed sizing, we suggest working with 1080x1350 dimensions for your static posts and carousels. And if Instagram ever decides to go back to a 1:1 ratio, images in this sizing can still look good on your grid.
Highlights will be moving to the grid and will have their own tab
Similar to posts, reels, and tagged, highlights will be moving to the grid and will have their own tab in an attempt to simplify profiles. This may take some getting used to at first and some finessing, but we’re curious to see the update!
You will soon be able to reorder your grid to your preference
Many users have carefully curated their grids and this sounds like a great way to help users do just that! In the near future, you’ll be able to reorder your grid based on your preferences allowing you more creative freedom and control.
Reels have been extended to 3 minutes long
Short form content has taken off over the years, but sometimes it feels like 90 seconds just isn’t enough, right? Well, they are now extending reels to 3 minutes long. You could previously post longer videos that would stay in your “reels” tab, so you might be thinking, what’s the difference then? Previously, Instagram favoured short form content rather than long form content, but now, the algorithm will begin recommending content that is up to 3 minutes long just as much as shorter reels.
A new app called Edits is on the way.
I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that apps like TikTok and Capcut have more to offer in terms of editing than Instagram - and they are generally pretty user friendly! Ultimately, this leads to more creativity. Edits, a new app coming soon, will feature an in-app camera, editing features, and even a section for inspiration. While it may feel frustrating or annoying to download yet another app, we are curious to play around with it and try it out!
Instagram has introduced trial reels - for professional accounts and some select creators
Have you ever had an idea for a reel but felt worried that it may not resonate with your audience? This is where trial reels come into play. Trial reels allow users to share content with accounts that don’t follow them in order to test the waters and if things go well, you can choose to share those reels with your followers!
TikTok
Let’s talk TikTok. The TikTok ban in the USA was looming for a while with the planned shut down on Sunday, January 19th. As the date drew closer, users began saving all their content, telling their followers to migrate to other platforms like Instagram, and many even shifted over to the app RedNote. In case you’re wondering, RedNote is a popular Chinese social media app which is described as being similar to Instagram.
Then on Saturday, the 18th, users in the U.S. began receiving messages that the ban was taking effect and lost access to their accounts… But by Sunday afternoon (less than 24 hours later) TikTok was back up and running. Although TikTok may be accessible, many users were unable to download the app (if they deleted or never had it), as it was missing from app stores. The future of the app in the U.S. is still uncertain.
Everything that’s happened (across platforms) in the last month and the possibility of what’s to come highlights the importance of being present on more than one platform and in being adaptable.