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updates, updates, updates: The Big A** Instagram Update You Need to Know

  • sunflowermarketing5
  • Sep 27
  • 3 min read

Hi hotties, it’s me back again with another Sunflower Scoop this time, it’s a big one. If you’ve felt like Instagram has been flipping itself upside down lately, you’re not wrong. There have been a lot of changes, and I’ve been digging through all the noise to break down what actually matters for your business and content strategy.


So grab your coffee, let’s get into it.

yes I'm using this cute picture of my kids in this blog about boring social media updates... get over it!
yes I'm using this cute picture of my kids in this blog about boring social media updates... get over it!

Metric Changes You Can’t Ignore


Instagram is shaking things up (again). And no, we’re not looking at likes anymore—shares are now the big deal. Yep, the algorithm is prioritizing how often your content gets shared over how many hearts it collects.

But here’s where it gets really spicy: Instagram is introducing skip rate. Basically, if people scroll away from your content within the first three seconds, Instagram is going to assume it’s not worth showing to more people. Brutal, I know.

👉 Translation: those first three seconds of your video or reel? They better hook your audience or you’re toast.


Hashtags Are (Basically) Out


The Insta CEO finally said it out loud: hashtags don’t increase your reach anymore. I know, I know—we’ve been preaching the hashtag gospel for years, but here’s the tea…

They do still help categorize your content, so the sweet spot right now is 3–5 hashtags that are niche-specific. Forget dumping 30 random tags at the bottom of your post. Instead, focus your energy on SEO-optimized captions. That means:

  • Keywords your audience is actually searching for

  • Alt text on your images

  • Location tags that make sense

This shift is HUGE, but it also opens the door to more authentic, searchable content.


Linked Reels: The New Kid on the Block


TikTok walked so Instagram could… copy them (again). The new feature is linked reels. Think of them like a series—perfect for tutorials, storytelling arcs, or breaking down a bigger topic into bite-sized videos.

Here’s why you should care: new features = the algorithm loves you when you use them. So, if you want a growth hack this month, start experimenting with linked reels. And while you’re at it, don’t sleep on the repost feature. Instagram is pushing it, so take advantage.


Other Platform Updates (Because IG Isn’t the Only One)


Instagram isn’t the only app stirring the pot right now:

  • TikTok is cutting hashtags down to just 5 per post. (So yeah, get super picky.)

  • LinkedIn is leveling up with better post analytics and improved reach (hello, B2B marketing glow-up).

  • YouTube is testing AI tools to automatically improve clarity and cut background noise in your videos.

Moral of the story? Every platform is forcing us to create cleaner, better content that connects faster.


Final Thoughts 🌻


Here’s the truth: social media is always going to change. The platforms will tweak their metrics, shuffle priorities, and add shiny new features just when we’ve all gotten comfortable. But at the end of the day, what doesn’t change is this: people connect with people.

So, hook your audience early, share content that matters enough to get passed around, and lean into storytelling. Forget chasing hacks and start chasing connection—that’s what will always win.

Thanks for sticking with me through this big a** update. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath, pick ONE of these shifts to focus on this week, and let the rest fall into place. You’ve got this.


Until next time,Rose 🌻

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