Instagram Updates for 2026: What You Need to Know
- TSA
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Instagram keeps rolling out updates that change how we use the platform, often without much warning. Whether announced by Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, or discovered by creators testing new features, staying up to date in 2026 is essential to make the most of the app. If you’ve lost track of the latest changes, this post gathers all the key updates in one place.
We’ll also take a quick look back at some of the most interesting features Instagram has introduced since it launched, giving context to where the platform is headed.
Reels Could Become Your Default Feed
Instagram is testing a new design that opens the app directly to Reels, reflecting how much time users already spend watching short videos. Currently, about half of Instagram usage is dedicated to Reels, and this number is likely growing. The new layout also introduces a “Your Feeds” centre, where users can switch between different feed options such as:
Following
Friends
Latest
Saved
Favourites
Suggested
All these options focus on Reels content, making short-form video the main way people engage with Instagram.
This shift shows Instagram’s commitment to competing with platforms like TikTok by prioritising video content. For users, this means more chances to discover new creators and trends through Reels, while creators get more visibility for their videos.
Instagram Expands to Google TV
Instagram is no longer just a phone app. After launching on Amazon Fire TV in December, Instagram is now available on Google TV devices in the US. This move brings Instagram Reels to the big screen, allowing users to watch content in their living rooms.
The app on Google TV organises videos into topic-based “channels,” making it easier to browse and find content that matches your interests. This update opens new possibilities for Instagram as an entertainment platform beyond mobile devices.
For example, you might watch a series of cooking Reels or travel videos on your TV, turning Instagram into a more relaxed viewing experience similar to streaming services.
Instagram Tests Mini-Drama Series
Instagram is experimenting with a new feature called “Short Drama” to tap into the rising trend of mini-dramas popularised on TikTok. These are short stories split into episodes, often ending with cliffhangers to keep viewers coming back for more.
Mini-dramas have become hugely popular, generating an estimated $1.3 billion in the US in 2025 alone. TikTok has already launched dedicated sections and even a separate app for these series. Instagram’s move to test a similar format shows it wants to capture some of this audience.
Users will be able to follow short drama series directly on Instagram, blending storytelling with the platform’s existing video features. This could open new creative opportunities for writers, actors, and filmmakers looking to reach younger audiences.
A Look Back at Instagram’s Most Notable Updates
Understanding Instagram’s past changes helps explain why these 2026 updates matter. Here are a few key moments:
Introduction of Stories (2016): Instagram Stories changed how people share moments, encouraging more spontaneous and temporary content.
Launch of Reels (2020): Reels brought short-form video to Instagram, directly competing with TikTok and shifting user behaviour.
Shopping Features (2021): Instagram added shopping tags and a dedicated shop tab, turning the app into a marketplace.
Algorithm Changes: Over the years, Instagram has adjusted its feed algorithm to prioritise content users engage with most, including video and interactive posts.
These past updates show Instagram’s focus on video, engagement, and commerce, setting the stage for the 2026 features.
What These Updates Mean for Users and Creators
The changes coming in 2026 affect how both users and creators experience Instagram:
Users will find it easier to watch more video content, discover new creators, and enjoy Instagram on different devices like TVs. The new feed options give more control over what appears first.
Creators can benefit from increased visibility through Reels and mini-drama series, reaching audiences who prefer video storytelling. The expansion to TV platforms also opens new ways to showcase content.
To stay ahead, users and creators should explore these new features as they roll out and adapt their content strategies accordingly.
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