5 Current Instagram Trends for Social Media Managers in 2026

Competition for attention is higher, reach is harder to achieve, and not all formats perform the same. In this context, understanding what works on Instagram means going beyond intuition and relying on data.

The Metricool Social Media Study included an Instagram trends report, where we analyzed the performance of more than 15 million Instagram posts and revealed clear patterns in reach, interactions, and the behavior of different formats.

With this data on the table, we’ve identified the key Instagram trends for 2026, so you can understand what works on the platform and how to adapt your strategy to this new landscape.

2026 Instagram Trends

These are the trends that will shape content performance on Instagram in 2026.

1. Posting More No Longer Works

On Instagram, content volume keeps growing. There are more active accounts, more posts, and more competition in the feed.

Our study confirms it: in 2025, more content was published than ever before, but that didn’t translate into more visibility per post. Quite the opposite.

While:

• The number of posts increased by 21%
• Reels published grew by 35%

At the same time:

• Average post reach dropped by 31%
• Reels reach fell by 35%
• Interactions per post declined overall

This paints a clear picture: more content is competing for the same space, and Instagram’s algorithm is increasingly selective about what it shows. The amount you publish no longer makes a difference – Quality does.

What does this mean for your strategy?

• Stop posting “just because”
• Create each piece of content with a clear goal
• Analyze what works and remove what doesn’t

2. Carousels Are the Winning Format

While most attention is focused on video, the data shows that carousels continue to perform exceptionally well, despite being the least-used format (just 1.13 carousels per week).

In 2025, carousels were:

• The format with the most impressions (30,809.69)
• The one with the highest average interactions (794.62)
• The format with the highest reach (10,002.86)

This isn’t a coincidence. Carousels work because they:

• Keep users on the post longer (a key signal for the algorithm)
• Encourage swiping and active engagement

Strong performance plus lower saturation make carousels a major opportunity to gain visibility on Instagram. So act quickly before everyone reads this article and does the same.

3. Reels: Make or Break, No Second Chances

Reels remain one of the formats with the highest reach potential on Instagram—but that potential comes with conditions.

Our Study confirmed that Reels:

• Reach more people than other formats
• Generate more comments, saves, and shares
• Decide their visibility in just a few seconds

If the video doesn’t hook viewers immediately, the algorithm stops pushing it.

👉 TIP: The opening hook matters more than ever. Your message needs to be clear in the first few seconds to stop the scroll.

If you want viewers to stick around, this video shows storytelling techniques to capture attention from the very start.

4. Stories: Less Reach, Stronger Community

Stories play by different rules. They’re not designed to reach new audiences but to nurture relationships with existing followers.

2025 data reflects that:

• Key metrics dropped slightly (–6% in impressions and taps)
• More accounts used Stories (+28%)
• Weekly posting frequency remained stable (8.39 Stories per week)

Stories aren’t for growth, they’re for loyalty. Use them to show a more human side of your brand, build trust, and maintain a consistent presence.

5. More User Control Over the Feed

Beyond the data, there’s another major shift heading into 2026: users now have more control over what they see in their feed.

Instagram has gradually added features that allow people to adjust their experience and reduce unwanted content. This changes the game. It’s no longer just “post and let the algorithm decide”; users now actively shape their feed.

A clear example is the “Your algorithm” feature, which allows users to:

• Indicate topics they want to see more or less of
• Adjust recommendations
• Gradually tailor their feed to their preferences

In practice, this means the algorithm is no longer working alone in the background. The audience has a direct say in what gets shown. Instagram is moving toward a more personalized, user-controlled experience, where preferences directly influence content recommendations.

What does this trend mean for 2026?

• Content now competes to truly match user interests
• A clearly defined content theme helps make your posts more recognizable and relevant

To Wrap Up

Instagram has changed the meaning and impact of visibility. In 2026, your growth depends on understanding the role each content type plays within your strategy.

Our Social Media Study shows a more competitive environment, where reach is harder to achieve and performance is less predictable. At the same time, Instagram is moving toward a more personalized experience, giving users greater control over what they see.

That’s why the difference lies in creating purposeful content, aligned with audience interests and backed by real data to make better decisions.

If our 2026 Instagram trends report makes one thing clear, it’s this: Instagram is no longer about making more noise, but about posting with intention, focusing on content quality, and making data-driven decisions.

What are your predictions for this year?

Leave them in the comments below 👇