Instagram Glow-Up: How to Leverage the Latest Reels and Carousel Features to Boost Your Brand
Instagram is keeping us on our toes with constant feature updates—especially for Reels and carousels. These updates aren’t just flashy tools to play with; they’re powerful ways for business owners to creatively capture attention and drive engagement. Whether you’re running a boutique hotel or launching a new restaurant, Instagram’s latest features give you the chance to connect with your audience in more engaging, impactful ways.
Let’s dive into the biggest Instagram feature updates for Reels and carousels and how to use them to turn followers into loyal customers.
Extended Reels Length: Storytelling with a Little More Time
Reels started as Instagram’s short-form answer to TikTok, but recently, the platform extended Reel lengths to up to 90 seconds—giving you more time to tell your story without losing that quick-hit appeal.
Why It’s Game-Changing:
More time = more room for creativity. With extended Reels, you can dive deeper into your brand’s story, show more behind-the-scenes content, or even highlight customer testimonials—all without the pressure to cut it short. This is especially useful for businesses looking to capture those moments that require more context, like showing a full room tour in a hotel or the step-by-step process of plating a signature dish.
Pro Tip: Use that extra time to tell a story. People love narratives, whether it’s walking viewers through a recipe or showing the transformation of a space. Don’t rush it—let your brand’s personality shine.
Add Music to Carousel Posts: Leveling Up the Scroll
Instagram recently added the option to add music to carousel posts—yes, carousels are officially no longer silent. Adding music to your carousels instantly boosts the mood and turns your post into an interactive, multi-sensory experience.
Why It’s Game-Changing:
Music triggers emotion. Whether you’re sharing photos of a restaurant’s new menu, showing off a boutique hotel’s aesthetic, or teasing a product launch, the right song can set the tone. Plus, sound helps stop the scroll. As users swipe through your carousel, a catchy song can make them linger longer, increasing the chances of engagement.
Pro Tip: Choose music that matches the vibe of your content. Are you showing off your dreamy, serene hotel? Go for something laid-back. Launching a bold, new product? Pick something upbeat and energetic. Music gives you a chance to bring your visual content to life.
Dual Camera Mode for Reels: A New Way to Create POV Content
One of Instagram’s newest updates is the dual camera feature for Reels. This lets you film with both the front and back cameras simultaneously, allowing for super creative point-of-view content.
Why It’s Game-Changing:
This feature gives you the chance to share a first-person perspective, plus a behind-the-scenes look at your reaction. It’s a fun, immersive way to capture both the moment and your personality—perfect for businesses that thrive on showcasing experiences.
Pro Tip: Use dual camera mode to bring viewers into the moment. Whether it’s a first-person tour of your hotel with your reaction or a tasting experience at your restaurant, this tool gives an interactive edge to your content.
Interactive Stickers in Reels: Boosting Engagement
Instagram recently rolled out interactive stickers for Reels, including polls, quizzes, and emoji sliders—features that were once only available for Stories. This is huge for engagement because it gives your audience a reason to not just watch, but participate.
Why It’s Game-Changing:
People love sharing their opinions—so why not let them? Interactive stickers turn passive viewers into active participants, whether they’re voting on a new menu item, sharing thoughts on their favorite product, or answering fun questions about their dream vacation. The more interaction, the more likely Instagram’s algorithm will favor your content.
Pro Tip: Keep it simple but fun. Ask your audience to vote on a new dish, guess a hidden location on your property, or rank their favorite spa treatments. The more interactive your content, the more people will engage.
Carousel Depth with More Photos: Tell the Whole Story
Instagram carousels have always been a great way to share multiple images in one post, but now, with the latest updates, the limit has increased, allowing you to upload up to 20 images in one carousel.
Why It’s Game-Changing:
More photos mean more storytelling power. Carousels are perfect for creating visual journeys—whether you’re showcasing a step-by-step tutorial, a behind-the-scenes look at an event, or a full gallery of your property’s best views. With more images, you can give your audience a deeper dive into what makes your brand special.
Pro Tip: Use carousels to highlight multi-step processes. If you’re in the restaurant business, show the stages of creating your signature dish. If you’re running a hotel, show guests arriving, enjoying the amenities, and relaxing by the pool. Carousels are your visual storytelling secret weapon.
Make Instagram Your Business’s Secret Weapon
Instagram is constantly evolving, and if you’re running a small business, keeping up with these new features is key to staying relevant and engaging your audience. Whether you’re extending the storytelling power of Reels or using interactive stickers to boost engagement, the opportunities are endless.
Not sure where to start? That’s where Golden Hour Co. Digital Agency comes in. We specialize in helping businesses shine on social media with authentic, creative content strategies that drive real results. Get in touch by emailing danielle@goldenhourcodigital.com.
