Instagram Update 2026: New Algorithm Controls, Grid Reordering, Reels Links & Creator Features Explained

June 16, 2026

Instagram is rolling out one of its biggest updates in years, introducing new features that give users more control over their feeds while helping creators better understand their audience.

The biggest change is a new feature called “Your Algorithm,” which allows users to customize their Instagram recommendations. Instead of relying only on likes, comments, shares, and watch history, users can now directly tell Instagram which topics they want to see more—or less—of across their feed, Reels, and Explore page.

Another highly requested feature included in the Instagram update is the ability to reorder your Instagram profile grid. Users can simply long-press a post, select “Reorder Grid,” and move posts around without affecting their original posting date. For creators, influencers, and businesses, this makes it easier to create a polished profile layout without deleting old content.

Instagram is also expanding its creator tools with new analytics designed to provide deeper insights into content performance. New metrics include Skip Rate, which measures how many users scroll away quickly, Share Rate, which tracks how often content is sent to others, and Views Over Time, which shows how posts and Reels perform days or even weeks after publication.

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The platform is also introducing Instants, a new messaging feature that allows users to send disappearing photos through Instagram DMs, similar to other popular social media apps.

For brands and creators focused on growth, another notable Instagram Reels update allows clickable links to be added directly inside Reels. This could make it easier to drive traffic to websites, products, and other content without constantly directing followers to a link in bio.

Instagram says it is also continuing its push to prioritize original content by limiting the reach of accounts that primarily repost content created by others. The goal is to give more visibility to creators producing unique photos, videos, and Reels.

With new algorithm controls, improved analytics, profile customization options, and enhanced creator features, this latest Instagram update could significantly change how people discover and engage with content on the platform.

Will you be using these new Instagram features, or was the algorithm already getting it right? 📱👀

This version reads much more like a Yummy Hits article while still naturally hitting terms like Instagram update, Instagram recommendations, Instagram profile grid, Instagram creator tools, and Instagram Reels update throughout the article.

Written by: Cat Haley