What’s New on Instagram?

Instagram Maps Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns

Instagram is testing a new feature called Maps, similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, showing your location on a real-time map. Some users raised concerns, claiming it shares their location with followers automatically, especially alarming for public figures and influencers. But Instagram experts clarified: this isn’t true.

💡 What it means for you: Double-check your Story, Live & Location settings under Privacy to ensure you're only sharing what you want. For brands, this could introduce hyperlocal marketing opportunities, but privacy always comes first.

Instagram Tests Live Photos Uploads

You might soon be able to upload Live Photos to Instagram, either as stills or loops. This feature is currently in testing.

💡 What it means for you: This opens up creative storytelling options, especially for creators and brands who want to repurpose mobile content with more flair.

New Instagram Edits Features

Instagram's Edits tool just got a power boost with four new features:

- Easing curves like Bounce for smooth keyframe animations
- Snapping guides for easy content alignment
- Swipe between Reels in Insights to compare performance
- Improved safe zones to preview layout with UI elements like captions and like buttons

💡 What it means for you: You now have finer creative control and better visual feedback while editing, which is a major win for brands aiming for polish and performance. The improved insights navigation is also great for spotting high-performers fast.

Instagram Adds “Highlight Stories” Carousel

Users will now see a “Recent Highlights” section at the end of the Stories carousel, surfacing top content from people you follow.

💡 What it means for you: For both creators and brands, this means more organic reach through Story Highlights. If you don’t have any (or haven’t updated them recently) now’s the time to create or refresh them.

Mosseri Clarifies: What You Watch Doesn’t Impact Your Reach

Instagram head Adam Mosseri reiterated that your personal content consumption habits don’t affect who sees your own posts.

💡 What it means for you: Your explore page may be chaos, but that won’t limit your reach. Focus on your audience’s behavior, not your own.

What’s New on X

Grok 4 Quietly Rolls Out for All Users

xAI has enabled Grok 4 for everyone. No major fanfare, but a big step forward in generative AI capability.

💡 What it means for you: Whether you're analyzing trends or planning out your weekly content, Grok 4’s upgrade brings faster, more capable AI support. When it comes to captions, remember you can tap into ZoomSphere’s AI Copywriter to make the most of it.

What’s New on Bluesky

Bluesky Hits 38 Million Users, But Engagement Is Slipping

Bluesky now boasts 38M users, up from 30M in March. However, post volume is reportedly declining, and conversation feels quieter despite the growth.

💡 What it means for you: If you’re exploring alternatives to X or Threads, Bluesky still has potential, but don’t expect high engagement (yet). Worth a test, not a full pivot.

Caught on the Feed

Why Everyone’s in Their “Showgirl Era” Right Now

If your feeds are looking suspiciously sparkly and orange, you’re not imagining it. Taylor Swift just announced her new album The Life of a Showgirl, and brands from Canva to Threads are jumping on the trend, some even changed their logos.

If you didn’t hop in during the first wave, it’s probably not worth forcing it now. But if your brand voice fits playful cultural commentary, a nod in your captions (🧡✨) might still feel relevant.