I’ve been spending more and more time on Instagram lately (haven’t we all?), and let me tell you, the platform is constantly evolving. If you’re like me and run a business, you’re probably already thinking about how you can get the most out of Instagram in 2025. With so many features rolling out, it can feel a bit overwhelming to keep track of them all. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
As the founder of a content marketing agency in Melbourne, I’ve had firsthand experience using Instagram’s latest tools to help businesses grow. In this blog, I’ll break down some of the newest features and explain how you can leverage them to up your marketing game. Whether you’re teasing new products or engaging your audience, these updates are designed to help you connect with your followers in more meaningful ways.
Teasing Product Launches with the Reveal Sticker
Ever heard of the reveal sticker? If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. Imagine gearing up to launch something new—maybe it’s a product, a course, or even a giveaway. What if you could add a layer of mystery and get your followers eager to engage before they even know what they’re looking at? That’s what the reveal sticker does.
Posting an Instagram story using the reveal sticker blurs out part of the image or text. Your followers need to message you to reveal the full content. It’s like handing out a little puzzle, and we all know how much people love solving puzzles, especially when there’s a reward. Whether teasing a new collection or offering a discount code, this is a fun and interactive way to build hype.
As a content marketing agency in Melbourne, we’ve tried it for a few clients, and it works wonders. People are naturally curious. They see something hidden, and suddenly, they must know what’s behind it. Plus, getting them to message you directly opens the door for more personal conversations and increases engagement.
Boosting Engagement with Comments on Stories
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always found the private messages on stories a bit limiting. Sure, you get feedback, but it’s a one-on-one interaction. With Instagram’s new comments feature on stories, you can open the conversation to a broader audience. Here’s how it works.
When someone comments on your story, their comment is visible to everyone else. It creates a mini-conversation right there in your story. Think about it like comments on a feed post but in a more temporary and spontaneous space. This feature is perfect for marketers seeking quick feedback or building a sense of community around their content.
At Content Hype, we’ve used this with product teaser stories for our Melbourne clients, and it was like running a mini focus group—except it was a lot more fun and informal. You can see what people are thinking in real-time; best of all, others can jump into the conversation. It’s a quick way to gain insights and boost engagement.
Telling Richer Stories with Carousel Posts
I’m a sucker for a good carousel post. There’s something about swiping through a series of images that feels immersive, like flipping through a photo album. And now, Instagram has doubled the number of slides you can use in a carousel post—from 10 to 20. That’s right, double the content, double the storytelling potential.
For businesses in Melbourne, this is a game changer. You can tell more detailed stories, showcase products, or even give a step-by-step tutorial. At our content marketing agency in Melbourne, we love using carousels to break down product launches, where each slide highlights a different feature or benefit. It’s also perfect for event recaps or behind-the-scenes content.
One of my favourite uses for this feature is to showcase transformations—before-and-after shots, sneak peeks of how a project came together, or even client testimonials. The swipe function keeps people engaged longer, and the more they swipe, the more they learn about your brand.
Selling Directly Through Feed Posts
I’ll be honest—I’ve fallen victim to Instagram shopping more times than I’d like to admit. It’s just too easy, right? One minute, you’re scrolling; the next, you’ve bought something new. This ease of use is exactly what you should leverage if you’re selling products online.
Instagram now allows you to add product details directly to feed posts. That means you can showcase a product and include a button that lets users shop without leaving the app. The best part? It’s all about reducing friction in the customer’s journey. They see your product, they like it, they buy it. Simple.
At Content Hype, we encourage businesses in Melbourne to use this feature, especially if you’re running an online shop or selling physical products. It’s an easy way to boost sales without requiring your audience to jump through hoops. Instagram’s visual-first nature works perfectly in your favour, especially if you’re selling visually appealing products like fashion, home goods, or tech.
Sparking Conversations with Polls and Prompts
Now, let’s talk about engagement. Sometimes, getting people to stop scrolling and actually interact with your content can feel like pulling teeth. But Instagram has introduced a few features to make that a little easier—namely, polls and prompts in feed posts.
Polls are an easy win. You throw up a question, and your audience clicks to vote. It’s simple, fast, and effective. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback or gauge interest. Say you’re thinking about launching a new product or service—why not ask your audience what they think?
Prompts, on the other hand, are perfect for call-to-actions that don’t require much effort from your audience. You could ask a question or post a statement, and they can quickly respond without leaving the post. I’ve used this to get some quick insights on content ideas, and it’s surprising how much engagement you can get from something so simple.
At Content Hype, we always remind our Melbourne clients that the key here is to keep it light and easy. People don’t want to work hard to interact with your content, but if you make it fun and effortless, they’re more likely to engage.
Wrapping It Up: Why Instagram Should Be in Your 2025 Strategy
Instagram is one of those platforms that just keeps getting better for businesses. Whether you’re looking to sell products, build engagement, or simply grow your audience, these new features make connecting with people in meaningful ways easier than ever. As we move into 2025, leveraging these tools will give your brand a competitive edge.
From teasing product launches with the reveal sticker to creating more immersive carousel posts, Instagram’s latest updates are about making your content more engaging and accessible for your audience. The platform is continuously evolving, and as marketers, we need to evolve with it.
So, what are you waiting for? Jump in, experiment, and see what works best for your brand. At Content Hype, we’ve helped many Melbourne businesses succeed on Instagram, and we’re excited to see what 2025 will bring. Contact us for a chat about how you can better use Instagram for your social media marketing today.
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