Instagram is rolling out three long-requested updates to make it even easier to share and start conversations. The social media platform is launching an easier Reels reposting function, live location sharing, as well as a new kind of Reels section that is curated entirely by your friends’ liked or original content.
Instagram reels ’em in
The first and likely most anticipated allows users to repost others’ posts and reels. Previously, sharing reels required downloading and manual reposting. Now, users can repost to their profiles while crediting the source. This will make sharing easier and allow creators to expose themselves to a broader audience by allowing their affiliates to share their content. A repost icon will now appear on all posts and reels, while reposters can add a bubble to share their thoughts or opinions.
Users can now also live share their last location, allowing followers to start conversations based on where their friends or influencers have just been. Instagram Map, which sounds a lot like Snapchat’s Snap Map, lets users see where certain friends’ posts originated.
By default, location sharing is off, and those who participate must opt in. Instagram also ensures users that they can control how many people see their location, instruct the app not to share certain locations, while parents will control teens’ location sharing. Location posts will only stay up for 24 hours.
Lastly, the social platform is branching its TikTok-esque Reels feature into two: regular Reels that feeds you to the greater Instagram algorithm, and Friends, which will show users reels that directly relate to friends and followers. This can be reels made by friends or shared and liked by friends. Sharing memes is one of the internet’s love languages. This will make it easier to come across the same stuff your friends have liked, and will hopefully prompt more conversations.
