Observed Signal · May 30, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Instagram Introduces 3:4 Photos and Shared Access
Instagram has rolled out two features to simplify content creation and team collaboration. Users can now post photos in the 3:4 aspect ratio without any cropping, preserving the image as captured. Additionally, Shared Access is officially launched, allowing account owners to invite up to three teammates to help manage posts, comments, direct messages, and Stories without sharing passwords. Owners maintain full control and can assign granular permissions. The announcements were shared by the official Instagram Creators account on Threads, with Lindsey Gamble presenting the Shared Access feature. Rollout is expected to be gradual, extending availability to more users over time. These updates aim to boost efficiency, creative flexibility, and security for creators and brands, while signaling ongoing platform enhancements beyond existing formats and features.
Major platform feature release affecting creators and brands; new 3:4 format and Shared Access.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Instagram enables posting 3:4 photos in original format without cropping.
- Shared Access allows up to three additional people to manage an account without sharing passwords.
- Invited users can publish posts and reels, respond to comments, manage DMs, and add content to Stories.
- Announcement was made by the official Instagram Creators account on Threads, presented by Lindsey Gamble.
- Feature rollout is gradual to more users.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
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Threads tests Gems to honor valuable posts daily
Threads is testing a new feature called Gems, which awards up to 25 outstanding conversations daily with a visible diamond badge. The selection is algorithm-based, focusing on originality, timeliness, and authentic discussion, regardless of follower count. Posts or direct replies qualify, but reposts and content cross-posted from Instagram are excluded. The feature is currently limited to public US-based accounts of users aged 18 and older, though the badges are visible globally, including in Germany. Recipients get a notification and can share the badge. Users can hide the label if desired. Initial hints appeared in August via app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi. Threads aims to encourage original and engaging content, with no negative impact on reach for non-recipients.
Meta Bans TikTok Ads on Its Platforms in Multiple Regions
Meta has banned advertising for TikTok on its platforms (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp) in several countries, including the USA, Japan, Vietnam, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, and Thailand. This action, confirmed by Meta spokesperson Chris Sgro, prevents both ByteDance and third-party advertisers from promoting TikTok within Meta's ecosystem. The ban is seen as a competitive move amidst escalating rivalry between Meta, ByteDance, and YouTube. It may also be linked to Meta's recent $16.7 billion settlement with US states over youth safety, which includes conditions that require competitors like TikTok and YouTube to implement similar protective measures, suggesting a strategic pressure tactic to ensure they share the cost and responsibility of child safety initiatives.
Xbox Launches TV & Film Division; Meta Tests Link Restrictions
This AdExchanger news roundup covers three major stories. Xbox has unveiled a new TV and film division named XP, led by Kayleen Walters, to explore monetization opportunities including formalizing sponsorships and brand partnerships. Separately, Meta is testing Meta One, a subscription bundle, and has begun charging non-subscribed business pages for including more than two external links in posts, with news pages currently exempt. Additionally, the article discusses the trend of mid-sized independent agencies merging into hybrid holding companies, citing Wpromote's acquisition of Giant Spoon, Chemistry's acquisition of Colossus, and Acadia's purchase of Crush, as competitive pressures from larger groups like Omnicom-IPG and Publicis intensify.
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