Instagram has launched a subtle but impactful update that introduces a dedicated Highlights tab on user profiles. This change separates Stories Highlights from the main profile grid, offering a cleaner, more organized layout that improves the overall user experience and visual flow of personal and business accounts alike.
What’s New with the Highlights Tab?
Previously, Instagram users displayed their Story Highlights directly above their feed posts, sandwiched between the bio and the grid. This layout, although functional, often cluttered the profile view—especially for users who had multiple Highlight categories.
Now, with the new Highlights tab, Instagram offers a standalone section accessible from the main profile navigation bar (next to tabs like Posts, Reels, and Tagged). This change allows users to better showcase their Story Highlights without disrupting the feed’s visual hierarchy.
Instagram has not made a formal announcement on their blog yet, but several users have spotted the new tab in live tests across Android and iOS platforms. Meta, Instagram’s parent company, is expected to roll this out globally in phases. You can follow updates on Instagram’s official newsroom.
Why This Matters for Users
The new tab might appear like a minor UI change, but it enhances how content is discovered and displayed. For creators, brands, and regular users, Highlights serve as curated collections of evergreen content.
With this update:
- Profiles appear less cluttered
- Stories Highlights receive a dedicated space to shine
- Navigation between posts and highlights becomes smoother
This update reflects Instagram’s continuing focus on user-centric design. Much like its recent improvements to direct messaging and Reels remixing, this tweak aims to support both content discovery and aesthetic control.
For Brands and Creators: Better Storytelling
Instagram Highlights are often used by brands to showcase FAQs, product categories, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes moments. With a cleaner display, brands can treat the Highlights tab like a mini-website, guiding profile visitors through structured, valuable content.
For example:
- Fashion brands can create categories for collections or lookbooks
- Restaurants can use Highlights for menus, reviews, and specials
- Agencies can feature case studies, client feedback, or service breakdowns
The update also encourages creators to curate more professional-looking profiles, which is increasingly important for audience trust and collaboration opportunities.
UX and Visual Impact
The separation of Highlights into a tab helps maintain profile consistency, especially for users who prioritize a uniform Instagram grid layout. It also supports the rising trend of “digital minimalism” — where users seek clean, intentional digital spaces.
Some UI experts have compared the new layout to TikTok’s cleaner profile structure, where different content types are clearly separated. By doing this, Instagram reduces visual overload and ensures that the focus stays on curated content.
Potential Future Updates
Industry analysts expect that this move may precede deeper analytics for Highlights or even monetization opportunities for curated Story content. Instagram could also explore collaborative Highlights, where multiple users contribute to one tab (similar to collaborative Reels and posts). If this trend continues, we may also see updates that allow further customization of Highlight covers or themes to match brand aesthetics more effectively.
How This Affects Social Media Strategy
With this change, businesses and influencers should revisit their Highlight strategy. This is a great time to:
- Refresh Highlight categories
- Update outdated content
- Create eye-catching covers
Use Highlights as conversion touchpoints for services, sign-ups, or product views. A well-structured Highlights tab can now serve as a second homepage for Instagram profiles.
Stay Ahead with Digilogy
At Digilogy, we help brands and creators optimize every corner of their digital presence. From Instagram profile audits to custom Highlight strategies and content curation, our team ensures your audience gets the most seamless and impactful experience possible. Contact Digilogy today to elevate your Instagram strategy with professionally crafted Highlight narratives, brand visuals, and audience-specific storytelling techniques.
