Let’s be real, Instagram has been that friend lately. You know, the one who shows up to brunch every week with a brand-new haircut and a story about their latest “life-changing” habit.
Every time you blink, there’s a new feature, a fresh button or a random tab you swear wasn’t there yesterday. It can feel like a lot. But here’s the good news: these updates aren’t just for Gen Z meme makers, they’re gold for small businesses.
From fresh discovery tools to insights on what content truly stands out, the August 2025 lineup is basically Instagram’s way of saying “Hey small business owner, let’s make your life easier (and your brand bigger).”
So grab your coffee (or espresso martini… you might need something stronger), because we’re diving into this month’s Instagram updates and how they can actually help you sell more, connect better and make your content the kind people double-tap without thinking twice.
1. Reposts: Let Your Content go on a World Tour ✈️
Say hello to Instagram’s new Repost feature, AKA the easiest way for your content to travel without you having to buy a plane ticket.
With this new update, anyone can share your public posts or Reels straight to their own profile (with credit to you, of course), and there’s even a shiny new ‘Reposts’ tab to keep track. For small businesses, this is basically free marketing!
When a happy customer hits repost, they’re turning into a walking, talking billboard for your brand. Bonus: you can repost their content about you too, filling your feed with authentic, community-driven magic.
2. Instagram Map: Find Your People (Literally) 📍
Instagram just took a peek at Snapchat’s homework, copied the map feature, and then gave it a business-friendly makeover.
The new Instagram Map lets you browse location-based reels, stories and posts from nearby spots, and even share your real-time location with selected followers.
For small businesses, the Instagram Map acts like a bright, flashing neon “We’re here!” sign, catching the attention of anyone scrolling nearby. Whether you run a cozy café or bustling gym, it’s a fantastic way to get locals discovering your content, and hopefully making their way through your front door.
Hosting a special event or pop-up? Simply add a geo-tag (a location label you attach to your post or reel) so people can easily find you on the map and join the fun.
TSK tip: share geo-tagged posts during your busiest hours to turn the map into a real-time, eye-catching billboard that shows your business buzzing with activity.
3. Friends Tab in Reels: The Social Spark ✨
Instagram just gave your content a serious turbo boost with the brand-new Friends tab in Reels. It’s a dedicated space where users can easily see what their friends have liked, commented on, or reposted, making it way easier for your content to get noticed through trusted social connections.
With this update, if someone likes your Reel, there’s a good chance some of their friends will spot it too. It turns liking your content into a fun way for people to show off their great taste (and maybe even their loyalty to your brand).
TSK tip: Keep your Reels short, snappy and packed with fun moments that make viewers go, “OMG, I have to like this!” and watch that social spark ignite your social media reach.
4. Likes by Frame: See Exactly Which Carousel Slide Got the Love 😍
Ever posted a multi-slide carousel and found yourself wondering, “Which slide did people really like?” Well, now Instagram’s got your back, you can see exactly which image or video snagged the most likes.
For your small business, this means smarter, data-driven content planning. You’ll quickly learn if your audience prefers close-up product shots, inspiring quotes or behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. The best part? You can ditch what’s not working and double down on what truly resonates.
To do this, simply open the insights on your carousel post, scroll to the “likes by frame” section, and voilà, you’ve got the inside scoop on what your followers love most!
5. Trial Reels: Your Reel’s VIP Preview Party 🎉
Ever wished you could sneak-preview a Reel to see if people actually vibe with it before dropping it on your entire audience? Well, now you can!
Trial Reels let you share your content with a small, randomised group first, giving you real engagement data and honest reactions before you commit to the big rollout. When creating a Reel, just select the “Trial” option to share your video with a limited audience and gather valuable feedback before going live to all your followers.
This feature helps you work smarter by spotting potential flops before they hit your main feed, saving you precious time and keeping your grid looking sharp. Plus, it means better content overall, since you can tweak captions, audio, or visuals based on the feedback.
Watch our easy how-to here 👇
Yes, Instagram is always switching things up, but these latest updates are like your business’s new secret weapons. From fueling reach with Reposts to getting cozy with locals using the Instagram Map, there’s something here to help your small business shine. So instead of freaking out over all the shiny new buttons and tabs, treat them like your personal playground and watch your brand grow into a standout social media success!