An inside look at Instagram’s latest move to keep you connected, and what it signals about the future of social media.
Instagram just revealed a suite of new features designed to deepen connections between users. The platform is introducing “reposts,” a revamped map with location sharing, and a dedicated “Friends” tab in Reels. This update is a clear signal that Instagram is doubling down on fostering personal interaction, moving beyond a simple content feed.
The Return of the Repost
The new repost feature allows you to share public reels and feed posts directly with your followers. Reposted content appears in a dedicated tab on your profile and is credited to the original creator. This is a significant move for creators, as it allows their content to reach new audiences organically when shared by others.
For the everyday user, this brings a familiar function from other platforms squarely into the Instagram ecosystem. The question is, how will this change the feel of the feed? Will it become a curated space of shared interests, or a cacophony of recycled content?
A New Map for Connection
The most notable change is the introduction of location sharing on the Instagram map. You can now opt-in to share your last active location with a select group of friends. Instagram is careful to emphasise that this feature is off by default and comes with granular controls. You can choose to share your location with all friends, a “Close Friends” list, or even a custom selection of people.
If you have supervision set up for a teen’s account, you will be notified if they enable location sharing, providing an opportunity for a conversation about online safety. You can also control whether your teen has access to this feature at all.
Beyond personal location sharing, the map serves as a discovery tool. You can explore location-tagged content from people you follow, including Reels, posts, and Notes. This transforms the map from a simple geographical tool into a dynamic, real-time view of what your network is doing and where.
A “Friends” Tab for a More Personal Reels Experience
Instagram is also rolling out a “Friends” tab in Reels. This new section shows you public content that your friends have liked, created, reposted, or commented on. The goal is to make Reels a more social experience, moving beyond the algorithmically-driven “For You” page.
You will also have controls over what appears in this tab, including the ability to hide your own likes and comments on reels from being broadcast to your friends.
These updates, taken together, represent a clear vision for the future of Instagram. The platform is no longer just a place to broadcast your life; it’s a space to actively connect with the people you care about, through the content you all enjoy. The challenge, as always, will be balancing this new layer of connection with the user’s fundamental need for privacy and control.