If you haven’t updated your Instagram app this week, then stop right now and go hit that update button! Instagram just dropped two new features that are important to know about. The first one is Reposts and the second is Instagram Map. These aren’t just meaningless updates — these are going to change how people utilize the Instagram app. Here’s everything you need to know and exactly how to use them to your advantage.

1. Instagram Just Launched Reposts, Similar Vibe to TikTok’s Feature

We’ve all been there when you come across an Instagram reel or post that’s so relatable or funny and you want your followers to see it. Until now, you had to just share it to your close friends or your Instagram story. Not anymore! With Reposts, Instagram basically gave us an in-app retweet.
And yes, if this sounds familiar, it’s because TikTok has this feature already. TikTok’s “Repost” button has made it easy to boost content you love without making your own. Now Instagram has added the same feature.

How to Use It:

• Find a post or reel that you would like to repost.
• Hit the little repost icon under a post or to the side of a reel (it looks like two arrows forming a circle).
• Then, it’ll show up on your followers’ feeds and in your very own “Reposts” tab on your profile.

Personal Usage Benefits: 

This is a great way to curate your personal brand on Instagram and connect with your followers. It also gives users a chance to have a more permanent section of reposts that they can create. Imagine reposting outfit inspo, trending memes, or your BFF’s small business launch, all while giving them instant credit. 

How Small Businesses Can Benefit:

Reposts let small businesses get more exposure by encouraging followers and supporters to easily share their posts. When customers repost your content, it reaches new audiences and builds trust from real users. It’s a great way to boost awareness and grow your community without extra work.

2. Instagram Map: Snap Map Energy, But On Instagram

The Instagram Map is like a digital map that highlights your friends and favorite creators. You choose if you want to share your location. When it’s on, you can share where you were last active with people you pick and see what’s happening nearby. You can find places where others posted stories, like new restaurants or events to check out.

Just like how the reposts were borrowed from TikTok, Instagram Map is clearly inspired by Snapchat’s Snap Map. Snap Map has been letting you see friends’ locations for years by using a Bitmoji character to show where people are. Instagram’s take makes it content-focused. 

How to Use It:

• Go to DMs, tap the little map pin icon, and decide who can see your location (Close Friends, mutual followers, or a custom list).
• Scroll around the map to see where your people are posting Stories, Reels, and even Notes.
• Look around the map and it will show locations along with posts your followers have tagged there.

Personal Usage Benefits:

Use it to plan what new restaurants you want to try or scope out trending events in your area that your followers or people you follow recommend or went to. However, we want everyone to stay safe with this update. If you choose to turn on your location, we recommend only sharing it with people you actually know and trust. Think of it like giving someone your address — you wouldn’t hand it out to strangers. Keep it cute and safe. 

How Small Businesses Can Benefit:
Instagram Map helps local businesses get discovered by nearby users. When customers tag your location in Stories or Reels, you show up on the map. This can help by making it easier for new people to find and visit you. It’s a powerful way to connect with your community with influencers and events.

Why Do These Updates Matter?

These updates clearly show how Instagram is taking inspiration from other popular apps, like TikTok and Snapchat. They are incorporating features that make those platforms unique and engaging. Instagram is trying to bring the best of what makes those apps fun and useful right into its own ecosystem 

Still, these are fun new features to try out that help you connect and share on Instagram in new ways. So next time you’re scrolling, remember you can repost a post or use a location tag to map it!