Instagram's Latest Features for Creators and Business Owners October 2025
Instagram remains one of the most powerful platforms for businesses and creators to connect with audiences. For Charlotte-based companies, staying on top of the latest updates can mean the difference between reaching new customers or getting lost in the feed. In 2025, Instagram introduced several updates that help businesses and creators streamline content, engage followers, and grow their presence.
This guide covers the updates most relevant to Charlotte businesses and content creators, with practical tips on how to use them locally.
1. Advanced Editing Tools in Instagram’s Edits App
Instagram’s Edits app now includes AI-powered animations, subject cutouts, transitions, and other advanced tools to help creators produce professional-quality Reels and posts.
Why it matters for Charlotte businesses:
Showcase local products, services, or events with polished videos without hiring a separate production team.
Maintain a consistent brand aesthetic to attract both locals and visitors.
Save time on editing while increasing content quality.
Tip: Use the Edits app to create weekly Reels highlighting Charlotte events, local promotions, or behind-the-scenes content for your business.
2. Reposts and the Repost Tab
Instagram allows creators to reshare public posts and Reels, which appear in a dedicated Repost tab on your profile.
Benefits for Charlotte brands:
Share user-generated content from local customers to build community trust.
Highlight collaborations with other Charlotte businesses or influencers.
Increase engagement by showing appreciation for your local audience.
Tip: Encourage local customers to post about your business and tag you so you can reshare their content in your Repost tab.
3. Instagram Map / Location Features
The Instagram Map lets users explore posts by location and selectively share their location with friends.
Benefits for Charlotte businesses:
Attract local customers searching for nearby products, services, or events.
Promote in-person experiences like restaurant specials, boutique sales, or community events.
Increase visibility for location-tagged posts in your area.
Tip: Ask customers to tag your Charlotte business location in posts or Stories to boost organic discovery on the Instagram Map.
4. Friends Tab in Reels & Algorithm Transparency
Instagram’s Friends tab highlights content your friends interact with, and new algorithm transparency tools show what topics Instagram thinks your audience likes.
Benefits for Charlotte businesses:
Understand how local audiences engage with your content.
Focus on posts that drive meaningful interactions rather than just likes.
Identify trending topics within your local community.
Tip: Post content relevant to Charlotte, such as local tips, community events, or neighborhood highlights, to resonate with your audience.
5. Monthly Performance Recaps
Instagram now sends monthly performance summaries, showing engagement milestones and content recommendations.
Benefits for Charlotte creators and businesses:
Identify high-performing posts or Reels relevant to your local audience.
Adjust your posting strategy to align with what resonates locally.
Track growth and engagement trends over time.
Tip: Use these recaps to plan upcoming content that highlights Charlotte events, products, or local partnerships.
6. Algorithm Updates: Original Content & Engagement
Instagram’s algorithm now emphasizes original content, viewer retention, and meaningful interactions like shares and saves.
Why it matters for Charlotte businesses:
Create content that encourages local followers to save, share, or comment, increasing your reach.
Focus on storytelling that highlights your brand’s unique value and local presence.
Avoid over-reliance on reposted or generic content.
Tip: Share tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos, or local guides to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
7. Privacy Enhancements
Instagram now offers better control over mentions, tags, and who can interact with your content.
Benefits for Charlotte businesses:
Maintain a professional and trustworthy online presence.
Avoid spam or inappropriate tags from unrelated accounts.
Ensure your audience has a positive interaction experience with your brand.
Tip: Set clear tagging guidelines when running campaigns or contests to ensure user-generated content is aligned with your brand.
8. Creator Monetization Opportunities
Instagram is expanding ways for creators to earn revenue, including referral programs, bonuses, and engagement incentives.
Benefits for Charlotte businesses:
Collaborate with local influencers to boost brand awareness.
Offer referral programs that incentivize local customers to promote your business.
Generate revenue and grow your audience simultaneously.
Tip: Partner with Charlotte-based creators for product promotions or local campaigns to maximize engagement and reach.
For businesses and creators in Charlotte, staying up-to-date with Instagram’s latest features is essential for building community, growing engagement, and attracting local customers. From advanced editing tools to reposting, algorithm insights, and location-based features, these updates give you new ways to connect with your audience and tell your brand story.
Leveraging these features strategically ensures your Charlotte-based business can stand out in the competitive Instagram landscape and continue growing both online and in your local market.