After a long period of small updates and targeted changes, it seems that in 2026 Instagram is planning a broader move. Not a revolution that will change the app overnight, but a series of features that accumulate into a clear directional shift – more tools for creators, more emphasis on paid subscriptions, and more control over content even after it is live. In recent weeks, several reports have appeared on new capabilities in development, and when combined, they paint an interesting picture. To make sense of all the noise – here are the main updates on the table.
New Premium Subscription: “Spy” in Stories and Audience Management
One of the most interesting reports concerns a new paid subscription tier, which will give users “super” abilities in account and privacy management. According to leaks, subscribers will be able to create unlimited audience lists (beyond the standard “Close Friends” list) and access a consolidated list of followers they follow who do not follow them back. The highlight of this subscription is the ability to view others’ stories in “ghost mode” – meaning, getting a peek at content without having your name appear in the other party’s viewers list.
Stories Revisited: Extension Without Reposting
The strict rule of stories disappearing after 24 hours is set to become more flexible. Instagram is testing the “Story Extend” feature, which will allow users (likely paid Meta Verified subscribers) to keep an existing story live for an additional 24 hours with the push of a button. This move will save the need to repost content and allow keeping the view and reaction streaks accumulated on the first day, without sending the content directly to the private archive.
Who Viewed You Again? The Rewatches Metric Revealed
On the analytics and data side, the social network plans to give creators a deeper look into followers’ viewing habits. A new update will allow seeing not just who viewed a story, but how many times each user returned to watch it again. The “Story Rewatches” metric is expected to become a significant tool for content creators and businesses, enabling them to identify exactly which moments were engaging enough to make the audience watch a second or third time.
Fixing Mistakes: Reordering Carousels
One of the most requested changes has finally reached the development stage: The ability to change the order of images and videos in a carousel post after it has already been published. Currently, any order mistake requires deletion and re-upload, resulting in lost likes and exposure. The new capability will allow entering edit mode on a live post and dragging slides to new positions, giving higher aesthetic control over the feed without paying a price in virality.
Not Just Reels: Locked Series and Dramas
Instagram is strengthening its position as an entertainment platform with the “Short Dramas” format. Creators will be able to upload short series based on episodes, with the option to lock certain episodes behind a paywall or subscription. This represents a move toward a “mini-Netflix” model within the app, aimed at keeping professional content creators on the platform and giving them tools to generate direct income from original productions, similar to dedicated vertical content streaming apps.
Leaving Quietly: Self-Removal from the “Close Friends” List
Alongside technological upgrades, Instagram is also addressing complex social dynamics. A new feature in development will allow users to remove themselves from another user’s “Close Friends” list. Until now, only the account owner could add or remove people from their intimate list, which sometimes caused discomfort for those who did not wish to be part of that circle. The update will allow a “quiet exit” and help maintain personal boundaries within the platform.