Keeping up with Instagram’s constant evolution can feel like a full-time job. As social media managers rolling into a new year, here are 10 important Instagram updates that you need to be aware of:

1. 1. Test the Waters with Trial Reels

Ever wished you could preview how your content might perform before going all in? Trial Reels let you do exactly that. This feature gives you 24 hours to gather valuable insights from non-followers, including Views, Likes, and Comments. Think of it as a focus group for your content — helping you refine your approach before launching to your main audience.

1. 2. Broadcast Channels Get Interactive

Broadcast Channels have evolved from a one-way street into a vibrant community space. You can now engage in two-way conversations with your audience through replies, and spark discussions using custom prompts. Better yet, you can track your channel’s performance through new metrics like interactions, story shares, and poll participation. Instagram’s even throwing in some best practices to help you maximize engagement.

1. 3. Smarter DM Management

Managing message requests just got easier. The new filtering system lets you prioritize conversations based on what matters to your brand — whether that’s focusing on verified accounts, sorting by follower count, or specifically engaging with fellow creators and brands. It’s like having a virtual assistant organizing your inbox.

1. 4. Hashtag Following Gets Retired