Here’s Our 2025 Instagram Quarter 2 Trends Report for Authors!
If you’re an author trying to keep up with 2025 Instagram trends and what’s working right now, you’re in the right place. The platform continues to evolve rapidly in 2025, and this quarter brings some exciting changes and opportunities to build visibility, connection, and conversion—especially for those of us using Instagram to sell books, build communities, and grow author platforms.
Here’s what authors need to keep in mind this quarter:
- Instagram image dimensions have changed: For static posts and carousels, the ideal size is now 1080 x 1350 px (4:5 ratio) for maximum feed space. Reels should be 1080 x 1920 px (9:16 ratio). If you’re still seeing the older profile layout with square previews, don’t worry—Instagram is still rolling out updates. Focus on making the first image of your carousel or the thumbnail of your reel eye-catching even when cropped square.
- You don’t have to post every day, but you do need to post intentionally.
- Reels and carousels are your two biggest visibility tools – especially trial reels.
- Use Stories and DMs to build connection.
- Let your readers become your advocates by encouraging them to tag and share.
- Track your metrics and double down on what’s working.
Whether you’re launching your debut or nurturing a growing backlist, Q2 is full of opportunity to show up smarter, not harder.
Let’s dive into what’s hot (and what’s working) for Q2 2025.
But first, what exactly are Trial Reels? Trial Reels are a feature on Instagram that allow users to create a reel the normal way – but to only share it to people who aren’t currently in your audience! They’re designed to be fast, simple, and low-pressure—perfect for authors who are just starting out with video content or don’t want to overthink their first Reels. Think of them as a gateway to building visibility through Reels without the overwhelm. If you’re an advanced reel creator, try using Trial Reels as an opportunity to a/b test your hooks and reach people who aren’t in your audience.
Did you know? The Notes feature is going away! Did you ever use it?
As of April 2025, the following are the most effective ways to use the app and see great, consistent results:
Reels Still Reign: Short-Form Video Is Always Coming Up on Top
Instagram continues to prioritize Reels in the algorithm, and the engagement stats prove it: Reels get 55% more interactions than static posts and 29% more than standard videos. This isn’t to say that you HAVE to create Reels. The Instagram execs are still actively saying that they build the home feed based on the users’ main uses. What does that mean? If your follower isn’t a big fan of Reels, then they’ll mostly be seeing static posts and carousels on their feed.
Our top recommendation: If you’re not using Reels regularly, you’re missing out on discoverability – even if you’re only using the Trial Reels feature. Reels are perfect for sharing writing tips, book trailers, character insights, and even snippets of your writing process.
Try this: Batch-create 3–5 Reels at once using templates from our Reels Membership to keep your content flowing without daily stress. (What’s included? You’ll get 4 Reels ideas with step-by-step instructions specifically for authors!)
Carousel Posts: Now Up to 20 Slides!
Carousel posts are getting an upgrade! You can now add up to 20 slides to tell a fuller story. This feature is still being rolled out, so you may not have it yet.
Why it matters: This is a goldmine for authors! Think chapter previews, character deep-dives, writing tutorials, and mini blog posts.
Bonus tip: Use scrapbook-inspired design, text animation, or cutout-style graphics to make your carousels pop.
AI Tools for Creators
Instagram is slowly rolling out AI tools to help content creators, including:
- AI-generated stickers for Stories
- AI-generated backgrounds to transform your posts
- AI content assistants suggesting captions or post ideas
What to do: Test these tools and see what fits your brand. They’re a fun way to enhance your visuals with less effort.
Be sure to click the “Add AI Label” if your post was made with AI.
Let the Data Guide You
Instagram Insights continue to be your best friend. Recent studies show that specific caption styles can increase comments by 70%, and content tailored to audience behavior drives 3.8x more reach.
Track these key metrics:
- Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares, saves)
- Follower growth and reach
- Reels vs. Carousel performance
Do this now: Choose one weekly post to monitor closely. Tweak your caption, CTA, or format—and use your analytics to guide what comes next.
(Need help understanding Instagram Analytics? We have a video on that in our Instagram for Authors course!)
Reels & Author Trends to Try for Instagram Quarter 2:
This Instagram trend is great for entrepreneur authors and non-fiction authors – “Your Target Person” share your most unhinged…
“Would you read a book where…”
Find a funny oopsie in your editing? This is a great way to introduce yourself!
Are you doing something that people said you couldn’t? This audio is great – especially as an intro trend.
Want some static picture trends?
These have been around for the past couple of months but are still great:
Vibes Character Brings to the Party
Here are a few examples of trending audio we’ve enjoyed:
While this audio does have a trend attached to it, the videos aren’t ALL trend, so feel free to use this melodic audio.
A fun mash-up that’s inspirational and uplifting. Great for sharing a win!
Want to uplevel your IG reels game? Grab an IG Reels planner, designed by our IG manager, Raewyn!
