Meta have certainly been busy lately, introducing three new features to Instagram.
But just what are they? And how do they work?
Let’s take a look.
Feature 1: Repost Button
The new repost button has arguably been the most confusing feature that Instagram has introduced for many.
The new repost button can be seen under Instagram posts on your feed, shown between the usual speech bubble icon (for commenting or seeing comments left) and the paper plane icon (for sharing the Instagram post privately with friends).
It looks like a version of the recycling logo – two curved arrows in a square clockwise shape.
Meta state that their new repost feature allows you to repost public reels and posts so that you can ‘share your interests with your friends’. Any public reels or posts that you repost will be shown in a separate tab on your profile which may be helpful for you to see what you have reposted, and even go back and un-repost if you change your mind.
In a nutshell, Instagram is adding reels and posts to your feed based on what your Instagram friends have suggested for you, not just based on your existing Instagram use and preferences.
This could go either way for the vast majority of us. If you have a limited number of friends on Instagram who already have similar interests to you then it could be beneficial to you in directing you to reels and posts of interest to you. However, if you have a large number of friends on Instagram with wildly different interests then you may find some very random things suggested in your feed. For better or worse.
What happens if someone reposts my reel or feed?
All reposts are credited back to the original poster. So, if you have your reels or posts reshared by someone on Instagram it will have your Instagram handle shown on the repost.
Reposts are only possible on public reels or posts so it’s nothing that individuals wouldn’t already be able to see – it just might show your reel or post to someone who may not have found your content otherwise.
The backlash
The backlash to this new feature is mostly from individuals not necessarily being fully aware of what it does and how it can be used.
Ultimately if you don’t want something you have posted online to be available for others to view and find within Instagram then either don’t share whatever it is online, or make your profile/reel/post private. That way you can avoid whatever it is from appearing online, or make it only viewable by friends on Instagram instead of the general public.
Can I turn off the feature?
You can restrict the sharing and reposting ability of your posts and reels on Instagram by others.
Head to the ‘Settings’ section on your Instagram profile and then head to ‘Sharing and reuse’ – simply slide the settings options to the left.
Feature 2: Share your Location
The second feature introduced by Meta and Instagram is the ability for you to share your location with Instagram friends.
This allows you to share your location with Instagram friends as selected by you. Helpful if you are planning on meeting up in a busy place but no different to lots of other location sharing features on other apps such as WhatsApp.
What!!
If sharing your location online feels you with dread then please don’t worry, this feature is automatically set to ‘off’ and you can choose who you share your location with.
If you wish to double check that your ‘share my location’ feature is turned off then simply head to the ‘Settings’ within your device and follow the steps.
For iPhone devices: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy & Security’ > ‘Location Services’ > ‘Instagram’ > then choose ‘Never’ or ‘Ask Next Time’ under ‘Allow Location Access’ section.
For Android devices: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps’ > ‘Instagram’ > ‘Permissions’ > ‘Location’ > and then choose ‘Don’t Allow’.
Feature 3: The ‘Friends’ tab
The third feature introduced is the ability to see what reels your friends have liked, created, reposted (the new feature as mentioned above), and even commented on. All shown under the new ‘Friends’ tab within Instagram.
You can even go a step further and start a conversation with your friend off the back of their interaction with the reel in question.
Do you mean my friends can see everything?!
Not if you don’t want them to.
Individuals still have the ability to control exactly what is shown in the ‘Friends’ tab so if you don’t want your Instagram friends to see what reels you have liked, created, reposted or commented on, then simply mute the activity buttons.
In Summary
There is nothing hugely new or wild about any of the new features on Instagram, they can be found on a variety of other social media apps.
If you want to use them then great, go crazy.
If you don’t want to use them you don’t need to. Like most things online now, it’s up to you how much you share and whether you share ‘publicly’.
If in doubt, take the time now to review your social media app settings to ensure they are set up as you want them to be.
Published: 12th Aug 2025