Throughout 2024, Instagram introduced exciting new features that captured users’ attention. Alongside increasing the number of photos allowed in carousels, creative actions that turned the app’s Notes gold and blue became viral among internet users.
Here’s a roundup of 8 standout features that made waves on the platform this year:
- Collaborative carousel
- Limit of 20 photos in carousels
- Comments on Stories
- New stickers
- Themes in DM
- More songs on Reels
- Notes in publications and videos
- Teen-Focused Safety Features
What’s new on Instagram in 2024
See eight new Instagram features launched in 2024.
1. Collaborative carousel
In April, Instagram introduced collaborative posts for carousels, making it easier for users to create photo albums together. Unlike before, this feature doesn’t require prior approval from the original post owner.
To use it, enable the toggle next to the “Allow other people to add” option before sharing your post with friends.
2. Limit of 20 photos in carousels
In August, Instagram expanded the limit for photos and videos in carousels. Previously, users could add up to 10 images in a single post, but the update doubled this, now allowing up to 20 images per carousel.
3. Comments on Stories
Another feature introduced by Instagram in 2024 was public comments on Stories. Rolled out in mid-June, this update allows users to leave comments visible to everyone who views the Story while it remains active.
4. New stickers
Instagram also introduced a variety of new stickers in 2024 that quickly became popular. Notable additions include the “shake to reveal” sticker, the “Your Turn: Music” sticker, and a unique feature that allows users to share a “hidden” Story, which can only be unlocked when a contact sends a direct message.
5. Topics in DM
In September, Instagram introduced chat themes for direct messages (DMs), offering more ways to personalize conversations. The platform also rolled out new tools for editing images and creating custom stickers within chats, enhancing user interactions and making messaging more engaging.
6. More songs on Reels
In July, Instagram introduced an update for Reels that allows creators to add multiple audio tracks to their videos. With this feature, users can mix up to 20 songs, giving them more creative freedom to produce unique and engaging content.
7. Notes on publications and videos
In July, Instagram expanded its Notes feature, allowing users to leave short comments on posts and Reels. These Notes appear as small floating bubbles alongside the user’s profile photo and automatically disappear after three days.
Instagram also introduced temporary color changes for Notes, adding a fun, interactive twist. Notes turned gold to celebrate the event during the Olympics in early August. Later that month, they switched to blue to mark the release of Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album. In October, the feature transformed once again, turning orange for Halloween.
8. Teen-Focused Safety Features
Instagram also introduced a range of parental control tools to create a safer experience for teenagers aged 16 and under. These features are designed to limit exposure to unknown profiles, manage screen time on the app, and restrict access to inappropriate content.
The update was announced to enhance safety and give parents more control over their children’s Instagram experience.
