Instagram has evolved tremendously over the past few years, introducing numerous updates and new features designed to enhance the user experience. Whether you’re a casual scroller or a social media enthusiast, knowing these hidden tricks can completely change the way you interact with the app. Here are some of the freshest Instagram hacks and tips to help you get the most out of the platform.
1. Create Sharing Shortcuts for Faster Reel Sharing
Sharing reels with friends individually can be tedious. To simplify this, Instagram now allows you to create sharing shortcuts, similar to Snapchat. When you want to share a reel, tap the share button, then tap the plus (+) icon to create a shortcut. Select the friends you frequently share content with, assign an emoji for easy identification, and save it. From then on, you can share reels with multiple people instantly by tapping the shortcut, without having to create a group.
2. Watch Reels at 2x Speed
If you want to consume content faster, Instagram now lets you watch reels at double speed. Simply tap and hold the left or right corner of a reel, and it will play at 2x speed. This is especially useful for longer reels when you want to quickly catch up on content without missing anything important.
3. Zoom In and Out on Reels
Sometimes reels don’t perfectly fit your screen or get obscured by captions, like buttons, or other UI elements. Instagram now supports the familiar pinch-to-zoom gesture on reels. You can zoom in and out just like you would on a photo. When you zoom in, any overlapping UI elements disappear, allowing you to watch the reel without distractions.
4. Check Who Visits Your Profile
Curious about who’s been checking out your Instagram profile? You can use third-party apps like Instalker to see some of your recent profile visitors. Available for both Android and iOS, Instalker allows you to enter your username and view two of your profile visitors for free. Just be cautious and verify app permissions when using third-party services.
5. Explore Reels Based on Nearby Locations
Instagram now offers a feature to watch reels posted by users near your current location. To access this, tap on the “Reels” text at the upper-left corner of the reels feed and select the “Nearby” option. Ensure your GPS/location services are enabled for this to work. This can be a fun way to discover local content and connect with nearby creators.
6. Add Music to Your Profile
Make your Instagram profile stand out by adding music to it. Head to your profile, tap on “Edit Profile,” and find the music section where you can add a track of your choice. This simple feature adds a professional touch and a personal vibe to your profile, making it more engaging for visitors.
7. Quickly Find Product Links from Reels
Many product promotion reels ask viewers to check the comments for purchase links. If you prefer to avoid scrolling through comments, Instagram has a neat shortcut: tap the share button on a reel, select “More Options,” and then click “Find products on Amazon.” Instagram will quickly display similar products, saving you time and hassle.
8. Highlight Comments in Your Stories
Instagram comments can be just as entertaining as the content itself. If you come across a funny or insightful comment you want to share with friends or feature in your story, press and hold on the comment, then tap the “Add to Story” option. You can reposition the comment on your story screen, creating a fun and interactive way to highlight community engagement.
These Instagram features and tricks are designed to make your experience smoother, more fun, and more connected. Experiment with these tips and see how they change the way you use the app. Instagram continues to innovate, so staying updated with these hidden gems can give you an edge in social media engagement.
Happy Instagramming!
