Meta's Reels has turned from a TikTok imitation into a major revenue generator, projected to earn $50 billion in the next year. Instagram users now spend an average of 27 minutes daily on Reels, significantly increasing engagement compared to previous years. Meta aims to expand Reels to more platforms by 2026.

Instagram is testing a feature that allows creators to share Reels exclusively with their followers for the first 24 hours. This aims to boost engagement by creating a sense of urgency and rewarding followers with early access. Creators can use it for various content, like sneak peeks or exclusive offers.

Instagram launched "Your Algorithm," a new feature that shows users the topics influencing their Reels recommendations. Users can adjust their preferences in real time by marking topics they want to see more or less of, or by adding new interests. This tool aims to give users more control over their content feed.

Meta is launching a dedicated Instagram Reels app for smart TVs, starting with Amazon Fire TV. This move allows users to watch short-form videos on larger screens, aiming to capture a share of the growing social video audience competing with platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

Instagram now allows users to customize their Reels feed by selecting topics they want to see more of. This feature, called 'Your Algorithm,' works alongside existing recommendations but gives users more control over their content. Users can update their preferences anytime, although they still can't reduce ads in their feed.

Instagram has improved its Reels Camera based on user feedback. The new features include customizable touch-ups and support for longer video formats, aimed at enhancing usability for creators like @mirandamorey_.

In 2025, over half of Instagram's ads ran on Reels, reflecting a significant shift towards short-form video content. While this trend boosts engagement, it poses monetization challenges for Meta, as Reels generally generates less revenue than the main feed. Competition from TikTok and YouTube remains a concern as Reels gains traction.

Instagram has introduced a new feature that allows users to lock their Reels with a secret code, enhancing privacy and control over their content. This feature aims to provide users with more options to manage who can view their videos, catering to growing concerns about privacy on social media platforms.

Instagram is currently testing a picture-in-picture viewing mode specifically for Reels, allowing users to watch videos while navigating other parts of the app. This feature aims to enhance user experience by making it easier to multitask while engaging with content. The testing phase is expected to gather feedback before any potential rollout to all users.

Instagram has introduced a watch history feature for Reels, allowing users to easily track and revisit the videos they have watched. This feature aims to enhance user engagement by providing a way for users to discover content they enjoyed previously. It is part of Instagram's ongoing efforts to improve the Reels experience on the platform.

Instagram is testing a redesign that emphasizes its Reels feature, aiming to enhance user engagement and streamline content discovery. This new layout could significantly alter how users interact with the platform, focusing more on short-form video content.

Instagram is encouraging more users to test a new user interface that includes updates to the Reels and direct messaging features. These changes aim to enhance user engagement and streamline navigation within the app. The rollout of the new UI follows ongoing trends in social media to improve user experience.

Instagram is undergoing a significant redesign, focusing on enhancing the user experience with new features for Reels and direct messaging. This update aims to streamline navigation and improve engagement across the app. The changes reflect Instagram's ongoing adaptation to user preferences and the competitive landscape of social media.