Instagram has introduced Close Friends on Instagram Live, allowing users to privately broadcast live only to those on their Close Friends list. In addition, up to three people can co-broadcast.

Instagram now allows users to add music to their Carousel posts that include videos. Previously, users could only add music to Carousels composed of photos. When music is added, the sound from the video(s) is muted.

Instagram has begun encouraging users to share their posts with friends. After publishing a post, some users have received a notification saying, "Want to send it directly to friends?" along with a Send button.

Instagram has added a new way to reorder photos and videos in Carousel posts.

Instagram has expanded its 'Open to Collaborating' feature to more creators. With this, creators can toggle on an 'Open to Collaborating' option in the Professional Dashboard to discover other creators interested in working together.

Instagram is testing a 'Prompt' option for Feed posts and Reels.

After being spotted in the wild, Instagram confirmed it is testing unskippable ads. Users who are part of the test will see an Ad Break, which features a countdown timer and requires users to view an ad before being able to continue browsing content.

Instagram has rolled out updates for Carousels. A new Resize option is available during post-editing, allowing users to select the 'Original' option to share photos in their original dimensions, including those of different sizes (e.g., portrait, landscape), without altering their dimensions. In addition, some users can access a native text tool to add text to images in carousels.

Instagram is testing the option to share a draft of a Reel via direct messages to friends.

Instagram has launched a test of Trial Reels, allowing creators to share a Reel with only non-followers.

Instagram is now flagging Reels that are ineligible for Partnership Ads. When creators share a Reel and toggle on the 'Allow brand partner to boost' option, but it contains an element that makes it ineligible for ads, Instagram prompts creators users to make edits before sharing the Reel.

Instagram has added a feature that enables users to share a carousel of photos in different sizes. During the editing process, users can click on a resize icon that offers three options: Original, Portrait (or Horizontal, depending on the first photo's ratio), and Square.

The Original option keeps the photos in their original sizes. The Portrait (or Horizontal) option resizes all photos to either portrait or horizontal format. The Square option resizes all photos to square format. After selecting an option, users can preview how each photo will appear when published.