At Gould Marketing, we’re always keeping an eye on the platforms that shape the way we connect, create, and grow online — and this week, one of the biggest names in social media just hit a major milestone.
Instagram has officially reached 3 billion active users.
That’s right — one of the world’s most influential platforms is now used by more than a third of the planet every month. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri both confirmed the news, marking another impressive achievement for Meta’s expanding family of apps.
What’s even more remarkable? Instagram isn’t available in China, and many parts of the world still have limited internet access. So, when you look at the numbers, over half of the people who can use Instagram actually do. That’s serious reach — and a clear reminder of just how central Instagram has become in our digital lives.
What’s New on Instagram?
To celebrate this milestone (and keep momentum rolling), Instagram is rolling out a few fresh updates designed to make your experience more personal and intuitive.
Smarter Reels Recommendations
Instagram is testing a new feature that lets you see the topics the Reels algorithm thinks you’re into — and gives you the power to make changes.
You’ll be able to:
-
Remove topics that don’t interest you
-
Add new ones
-
Or completely hide themes you’d rather not see
The idea is to give users more control over what shows up in their Reels feed — although, let’s be honest, most of us are happy letting the algorithm do the heavy lifting.
A Refreshed Navigation Bar
A new layout is also on the way!
-
The DM (Direct Message) icon is moving from the top of the screen down to the bottom navigation bar, alongside Home and Reels.
-
The Create (+) button is shifting to the top left corner.
-
The Search icon is sliding slightly to the right.
These tweaks are all about creating a smoother, more intuitive experience — especially as Instagram continues evolving beyond just photo sharing.
Reels Take Centre Stage
Reels have become the heartbeat of Instagram, and Meta clearly knows it. Reports suggest Instagram is testing a version of the app that opens directly to Reels, similar to TikTok’s default feed.
It’s already live on iPad, and some mobile users have spotted tests rolling out — though for now, most people will still open the app to their classic Home feed.
The Takeaway
Instagram’s latest milestone cements its place as a global powerhouse in social media. With 3 billion users and counting, the platform isn’t just surviving — it’s evolving.
From smarter recommendations to easier navigation and a stronger Reels focus, these updates show Instagram’s commitment to staying fresh, relevant, and user-friendly in an ever-changing digital world.
Stay Ahead with Gould Marketing
We stay on top of the latest social media trends so you don’t have to. Whether you’re building your brand, growing your audience, or crafting a content strategy that converts, Gould Marketing can help you navigate the ever-changing social landscape with confidence.
📩 Get in touch today to discover how we can help your business make the most of every scroll, click, and connection.