With over 2.35 billion users worldwide, Instagram remains a powerhouse for both creators and businesses. Whether you’re looking to build an engaged audience or scale with paid ads, Instagram’s latest updates and algorithm shifts bring new opportunities to grow—if you know how to leverage them.
At Primer, we specialize in UGC production, paid ads, and data-driven creative strategy. In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ The latest Instagram updates and what they mean for you
✅ Proven hook strategies to stop the scroll and increase engagement
✅ The key to relevance in 2025 (so the algorithm works for you, not against you)
Let’s dive in.
What’s New On Instagram This 2025
In 2025, Instagram continues to innovate, introducing features and updates that enhance user experience and engagement.
- Extended Reels Duration
Responding to creator feedback, Instagram has extended Reels from the previous 90-second limit to up to 3 minutes. This change allows for more in-depth content.
- Profile Grid Redesign
Instagram has updated its profile grid to a rectangular format, moving away from the traditional square layout. This change better accommodates vertical content, reflecting the platform’s shift towards vertical videos and images.
- Updated Content Dimensions
To optimize your content for 2025, adhere to the following recommended sizes:
- Feed Posts:
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
- Reels and Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
How To Grow On Instagram
If you’re a creator or a business trying to stand out on Instagram, keep reading.
Instagram has changed things up again, rolling out new features, longer video options, and smarter ad placements. But with these updates, competition is tougher than ever. Simply posting isn’t enough—you need to capture attention fast, tell compelling stories, and create content that blends seamlessly into the platform.
The good news? Whether you’re a brand running ads or a creator growing an audience, there’s a strategy for you. Let’s break down what’s working in 2025.
1. Nail Your Hook: 31 Scroll-Stopping Ideas
The first three seconds of any video ad can make or break your content. If your hook doesn’t grab attention, people scroll past.
But don’t worry, we’ve proven 101 video hooks for you. And here is a list of trending hooks in 2025:
Urgency/FOMO
- I wish I knew this sooner…
- STOP scrolling if you [want X / struggle with X]!
- If you miss this, you’ll regret it.
- Everyone is talking about [X], but they’re missing this.
- Last chance to grab this before it’s gone!
- I found the secret formula for [X] but this won’t last forever…
- If you’re not using this by [month], you’re behind.
- I’ve seen this all over my Instagram and I needed to try it.
- I didn’t know [X] existed until now.
- Only 1% of people know about this.
- The game has changed—are you ready for this?
Easy Solution to a Pain Point
- The hard truth about [X] no one talks about.
- You’re spending too much on [X]—here’s a better way.
- This is the solution you’ve been waiting for.
- I never thought getting rid of [problem] would be so easy.
- Things I’d love to know before [X]
- Forget about [X], try this instead
- The one thing stopping you from [goal]
- You don’t need [X] to succeed—do this instead
- If you’re struggling with [X], I’ve been there.
- I never thought fixing [X] would be so easy.
User Experience/Trending
- 22. Storytime on how [X] changed my life.
- 23. One thing that helped me with [X] is…
- 24. This is what I did to [X]
- 25. Okay, update on [X]
- 26. GRWM: [X] edition
- 27. Let’s get ready to [X]
- 28. We listen and we don’t judge: [X] edition.
- 29. When I [X], I won’t say anything but there will be signs.
- 30. I can’t believe I’m saying this but [X] is the best that has happened to me in a while.
- 31. POV: I used [X] and it changed my life.
💡 Pro Tip: These hooks work for Reels, Story ads, and even captions. At Primer, we’ve tested them in paid ads and seen lower CPMs and higher engagement rates when paired with UGC content.
2. Reels Are Your #1 Ally
After TikTok got banned –and although it’s still working–, Instagram took the opportunity to start prioritizing reels. Since IG also expanded Reels durations, making it easier to share longer, deeper narratives. We’re seeing a major shift in both organic content and paid ads.
If you’re wondering why reels work, it’s because:
- People engage with real, unscripted moments.
- Storytelling feels personal— even if they’re promoting something, they don’t look like ads.
🔥PRO TIP: Try this if you want your reels to get more views and conversions.
- Heart-to-heart storytelling → Share behind-the-scenes moments, struggles, or personal experiences to build deeper connections.
- Native-style ads → Instead of polished commercials, use UGC-style clips that blend naturally into a user’s feed.
3. Native Style: Ads That Don’t Feel Like Ads
Instagram users hate being sold to—but they love discovering new things. The best brands understand this and create ads that feel like organic content and creators can take advantage of this too.
What’s working in 2025:
UGC-style ads → Authentic, phone-shot content performs better than polished studio videos.
Jump cuts & captions → Keep the pacing fast and text clear.
“Show, don’t tell” storytelling → Instead of listing product benefits, demonstrate them in action.
4. Retarget the Right Way: Smarter Funnels for Instagram Ads
This tip is especially important for brands that are running Paid Ads on Meta.
Recent privacy changes and rising ad costs make traditional retargeting less effective and forces brands to rethink how they engage warm audiences.
Here are some winning retargeting strategies:
- Engagement-Based Retargeting → Video views are one of the most important metrics that sometimes are forgotten. Target users who watched 50% of your Reel or Story ad. They’re already interested—now drive action.
- Story-Based Retargeting → Show product demo Stories again to users who viewed but didn’t click. A second touch can drive purchases.
Now, if you want to improve your creatives for retargeting, here is one example.
This example works exceptionally well for retargeting. Despite being a longer video (1 minute), it grabs attention instantly with a direct hook: “I got a ton of questions about JRNYS prescription programs.”
From there, it strategically answers key Buyer Decision Questions (BDQs) that hesitant buyers often have before purchasing. It tackles:
- “Have you actually noticed a difference?” → Backed by a before-and-after transformation, reinforcing credibility.
- “Why choose it?” → Highlights brand and product benefits, addressing concerns around effectiveness and trust.
The video wraps up with a strong recommendation, making it the perfect format to nudge warm audiences toward conversion.
Make Instagram Work for You in 2025
Instagram is evolving, and staying ahead means adapting to new features, trends, and strategies. Whether you’re a brand looking to scale or a creator growing your audience, keeping up with these changes is essential.
For creators, this means mastering hooks, storytelling, and engagement-driven content. Trends change fast, and staying ahead means experimenting with new formats like longer Stories, DM funnels, and AI-powered features.
For brands, Instagram isn’t just another platform—it’s a performance channel. To cut ad costs and maximize revenue, you need content that blends seamlessly into the feed. Users don’t want ads—they want stories they can relate to and that’s why UGC is a game-changer.
If you don’t have a steady source of UGC content, we can handle that for you. At Primer, we specialize in high-performing UGC and paid ads that drive real results. Let’s make Instagram your top growth channel—get in touch today.
Partner With Growth Experts
Hit your growth goals with a continuous pipeline of videos, landing pages, images, conversion copywriting and UGC ready to test and scale. We are Growth Experts that are willing to do the hard work for you.
Your Growth Marketing Team: Partnering with Primer means we take care of everything—strategy and planning, production, reporting, and optional media buying—to achieve your growth objectives. You can focus on your business while we deliver the results.
Creative On-Demand: Access our subscription-based marketing creative platform to request UGC, videos, images, and landing pages crafted by top marketing creative strategists and designers who understand what drives conversions.
