Instagram’s Latest Update: Reposts, Map Location Sharing & Friends Feed in Reels – What You Need to Know

If you’ve opened Instagram recently and thought, “Hang on… what’s this new button?” — you’re not imagining it.

Instagram has just dropped three brand-new features that could change the way you share, connect, and get seen:

• Reposts (yep, you can now reshare other people’s posts to your feed)

• Instagram Map (share your location with friends… or not)

• Friends Feed in Reels (see what your friends are watching, liking, and sharing)

  
  

Let’s break down what each one means for you as a small business owner and how to make them work for you (without losing control of your privacy)

1. Reposts: Hello, More Reach

Instagram has finally given us a Repost button.

Think of it like a retweet on X (Twitter) or a share on Facebook but in true Instagram style.

Here’s how it works:

• See a post or Reel you love? Tap the two-arrow repost icon.

• Add a note if you want.

• It shows up in your followers’ feeds and in your new “Reposts” tab on your profile.

  
  

Why you should care:

Reposts are a great way to:

• Showcase content from your community (e.g., customer photos, testimonials).

• Share posts that inspire your audience without creating from scratch.

• Get your own content shared further which can mean more followers and potential customers.

  
  

Pro tip: To make your content “repostable,” think shareable quotes, useful tips, or content that makes people say, "Ooo, my audience needs to see this too!"

Privacy note: 

You can turn off reposts for your own content in Settings → Sharing → Allow Reposts (toggle off)

2. Instagram Maps: Like Google Maps, But Social

This one’s got people talking.

The new Instagram Map lets you share your precise location with friends — and see theirs — inside the app - if you want to! Huge emphasis on the last part there.

Here’s the deal:

• It’s off by default (you have to opt in)

• You choose who sees it — mutual followers, Close Friends, or a custom list.

• You access it from your DMs (look for the little map icon)

  
  

Why it matters for business:

You can use the Map to:

• Help people find your shop, café, or event.

• Discover content from other local businesses or creators.

• See what’s happening nearby in real-time.

  
  

Privacy tip: If you don’t want to be found — don’t turn it on. And remember, you can turn it off anytime.

3. Friends Feed in Reels: See What’s Hot With Your Crowd

Instagram’s Friends tab in Reels shows you what your friends have been liking, commenting on, or reposting.

Why it’s worth checking out:

• It’s a goldmine for finding new trends or content ideas your audience is already engaging with.

• You can see which types of Reels are resonating and adapt your own content accordingly

  
  

If it’s not your vibe? You can hide your own activity or mute other people’s. Your feed, your rules.

How to Use These Updates to Your Advantage

Encourage reposts:

Post content your audience will want to share think quick wins, bite-sized tips, or relatable moments.

Leverage the map for local reach: If you’re location-based, this is a smart way to get found by nearby customers.

Mine the Friends feed for ideas: Use it as an instant research tool for your next Reel.

Instagram’s August 2025 update is all about connection + discovery.

For small business owners, that’s a win as long as you use these tools with intention.

Focus on creating content people want to share, think about your local visibility, and keep an eye on what’s trending with your network.

And remember, you’re always in control of what you share and who sees it.

About Me 👋

Hey, I’m Amanda! Award Winning Social Media Mentor, Apple Top 30 Podcaster & Amazon #1 Bestselling Author.

I mentor small business owners, like you, to get seen & get sales on social media, without the overwhelm.

With 10+ years of experience running small businesses, I know what it’s like to juggle marketing, sales, and all the things. That’s why I’m obsessed with making social media easy, fun, and profitable for business owners.

📩 Grab my FREE 30 Content Prompts here for instant content ideas!📲

📲 Let’s connect on Instagram → @amandahughes.uk