Instagram continues to evolve at lightning speed, and for businesses and creators alike, staying ahead of the trends is the key to standing out. The recently released Instagram Trends 2025 Report sheds light on what is working, what is not, and where your focus should be in the coming year. With insights from over 45,000 accounts and 4.4 million posts, this data-driven look at Instagram’s landscape offers a clear roadmap for growth.
So, what’s in store for Instagram in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Reels Are King—But Carousels Still Hold Their Own
If you’re not already investing in short-form video content, now is the time. The report found that videos, particularly Reels, generate 49 percent more reach than standard feed posts. Why? Because they are shareable, engaging, and favored by Instagram’s algorithm.
That being said, carousels shouldn’t be ignored. They may not have the reach of Reels, but they do boast 22.7 percent higher engagement than single-image posts. If your goal is interaction and brand storytelling, a well-crafted carousel can still work wonders.
Pro Tip: Treat your Reels like a Super Bowl ad—capture attention in the first three seconds with a bold statement, question, or surprise.
Hashtags Matter Less Than You Think
Remember when loading up your post with hashtags was the ultimate way to boost reach? Well, 2025 is flipping the script. The study found that posts without hashtags actually reached 23 percent more users than those with excessive hashtags.
Instead of cramming 20 or more hashtags into your captions, the new best practice is to use one to two highly relevant hashtags that fit your content.
Pro Tip: Shift your focus from hashtags to crafting stronger, more engaging captions because…
Longer Captions = More Conversations
It turns out people actually like reading on Instagram if the content is meaningful. Posts with captions over 300 characters receive 70 percent more comments than short-and-sweet alternatives.
Think of your captions as mini blog posts that educate, entertain, or inspire. A compelling story or insightful thought can spark meaningful interactions that keep your audience coming back.
Pro Tip: Start your caption with a hook—something that makes people pause and want to read more.
Collaborations and Mentions Are Secret Weapons
Want to triple your reach? Partner up. Posts featuring four to five collaborators had nearly four times the reach of standard posts. Whether it is teaming up with influencers, brands, or other creators in your niche, collaborations help introduce your content to fresh, engaged audiences.
Similarly, mentioning other accounts in your posts or captions leads to double the reach and 30 percent more engagement.
Pro Tip: When looking for potential collaborators, do not just focus on follower count—engagement matters more than numbers.
The Ideal Posting Frequency: Quality Over Quantity
If you’ve been stressing over how many times per week you should post, here is some good news: there is no magic number. The report found that whether you post five times per week or fifteen, engagement remained consistent.
What does this mean for brands? Rather than churning out content for the sake of it, focus on consistency and value. A few high-quality, engaging posts will do more for your brand than daily content that does not connect.
Pro Tip: Mix up your content—combine Reels, carousels, and single images to keep things fresh.
Industry-Specific Insights
Different industries have different winning strategies on Instagram. Some key takeaways include:
- Creators lead the pack, with 59 percent of their content being Reels and the highest reach rate at 32.6 percent.
- Education brands boast the highest engagement rate at 8.4 percent, proving that informative content resonates.
- Beauty brands dominate collaborations, with 12.1 percent of their posts featuring partnerships.
- Arts and Entertainment crush mentions, using tags in 23.4 percent of their posts to maximize visibility.
Regardless of your industry, the formula is clear: lean into video, prioritize engagement, and build authentic collaborations.
Posting frequency, content format, and engagement strategies will continue to shape success on Instagram in 2025. Understanding how different formats perform and where audiences are most engaged will help brands and creators craft more effective content strategies.
As social media continues to evolve, staying informed on the latest trends is essential for maintaining relevance and visibility. Whether through Reels, carousels, collaborations, or strong captions, adapting to these insights can help maximize reach and engagement in the year ahead.Check out the link to Social Pilot’s report for more info: Instagram Trends 2025
