Instagram’s August 2025 Updates: Map Safety, Repost Strategy & the Friends Tab

Instagram did it again. Another week, another batch of features nobody really asked for — but that small business owners now have to figure out how to use (or avoid).

In this post, we’re breaking down the three new Instagram updates from August 2025:

1. The controversial Map feature — and how to keep yourself safe.
2. The new Repost button — plus smart ways to use it for your business.
3. The Friends tab in Reels — and what it means for your reach.

Whether you run a coffee shop, an online store, or a local service business, these updates could affect how you show up on Instagram. Let’s dig in.

1. The Instagram Map Feature: Why You Should Think Twice

Instagram’s new Map feature lets users share their live location with followers, friends, or select groups. Sounds a lot like Snapchat circa 2018 — and it raises the same privacy red flags.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Default setting: Location sharing is OFF.
• How to check: Go to your profile → tap the three lines (menu) → Who can see your content → Story, live, and location → ensure “Location sharing” is OFF.
• Map visuals: Circles = users sharing their live location. Rectangles = stories tagged with a location sticker.
• Safety tip: If you do use location tags for marketing (like showing you’re restocking at a store), post them after you’ve left the location.

Why it matters for small businesses:
The Map could help get more eyes on your Stories if you tag a location — but only if you’re strategic and safe.

2. Instagram Repost: A New Way to Share Content

Instagram has finally added a Repost button, allowing you to share other users’ content directly to your feed.

Best ways to use Reposts for business:

• Highlight user-generated content (UGC): If a customer posts about your product or service, repost it (with credit) to show social proof.
• Share relevant industry content: Post tips, trends, or funny posts your audience will relate to.
• Promote events: Repost market dates, community events, or partner announcements.

Collab vs. Repost — which is better?
If you and another business want to share each other’s content, a Collab post is more effective than a Repost. Collabs show up on both profiles, build more trust, and reach both audiences at once.

3. Friends Tab in Reels: More Private Sharing

The Reels tab now has a Friends section showing Reels your followers have engaged with. Instagram’s goal? To spark conversations and private sharing via direct messages.

Why this matters for your marketing:

• Posts that get shared in DMs are strong signals to the algorithm.
• Creating “shareable” content (funny, relatable, or helpful) could help you show up in more Friends tabs.

Why a Chronological Feed Won’t Solve Your Problems

Many users still beg Instagram for a return to the chronological feed — but here’s the truth: it wouldn’t solve your reach issues. People follow far more accounts now than they did years ago, and a chronological feed would require you to post more often to stay visible.

Instead, focus on creating content your audience saves, shares, and discusses — because that’s what Instagram is rewarding in 2025.

Takeaways for Small Business Owners

• Keep your Map location sharing OFF unless you have a strategic, safe reason to use it.
• Use Reposts to amplify UGC, relevant tips, and event info — but choose Collabs for bigger reach.
• Make your content DM-worthy so it appears in the Friends tab and sparks conversations.

Want More Instagram Marketing Tips?

If you found this breakdown helpful, you’ll love the full episode of Social Goals where I go deeper into each update.

🎧 Listen here: https://rss.com/podcasts/social-goals/2159561
📱 Follow me on Instagram: @socialkatmedia
📩 Grab my free small business social media resources