It sure feels like every time you open Facebook or Instagram something looks different. It’s not just me noticing it, I’m sure. Both platforms are in the middle of some pretty major changes, and as business owners, creators, and social media managers, this is not something we can ignore. The good news is that a lot of these updates are designed to give users more control. This means more ways to discover content, and discovery for your business even if they don’t follow you! The other side of that coin is that if your content strategy isn’t evolving, you are about to be left behind. It’s time to be aware of the changes coming to Instagram and Facebook, and make these changes part of your 2026 social media goals.
Instagram Updates for 2026
Let’s start with Instagram, because the update everyone is talking about is rolling out right now in the United States. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, recently announced Your Algorithm. Instagram is now giving you an inside look at what the platform believes you’re interested in when you scroll the Reels tab. This is built with their newest AI technology, and for the first time, you can actually see your interest profile, add topics you want more of, remove topics you want less of, and block topics you never want to see again. You can even share a snapshot of Your Algorithm to your Stories so others can see what your feed is built from.
Mari Smith shared a helpful breakdown. If you have the feature, head to your Reels tab on mobile. In the top right corner you’ll see a little two hearts icon. That opens “Your Algorithm.” Inside, you’ll see the full list of topics Instagram has assigned to you, plus the ability to adjust each one. Above, I have shared the Pink Sheep Co. algorithm, as well as my personal one. I had a little laugh at the “cheering on the Denver Nuggets.” I do love cheering them on, but their social team does an amazing job. This is really the reason I watch their reels. I am also a die-hard Denver Broncos fan, but you’ll notice that is not one of my topics on my personal feed. Their content doesn’t catch my eye the way the Nuggets does.
These changes will shape your Reels feed permanently, or as Mosseri put it, your preferences will be reflected in your Reels tab forevermore. Instagram is already testing ways to bring this same functionality to the Explore tab, and eventually, your main feed. In other words, we’re headed toward a much more customizable Instagram experience.
Don’t forget about TikTok…
While we’re talking about algorithms and discovery, TikTok creators are reporting something new as well. Some users are seeing a limit of five hashtags per post. This is still in testing, but if it rolls out globally, it will push creators to focus on clarity and search intent instead of long strings of hashtags. This falls right in line with the direction all platforms are going. They want cleaner content that is easier for users and AI systems to understand. Instagram is also testing this with some users reporting they are being limited to three hashtags.
Changes coming to Facebook in 2026
Now, let’s move over to Facebook, because things are changing there too, and pretty dramatically. Molly Mahoney recently pointed out that Facebook is starting to feel a lot more like Instagram. The feed is shifting toward a visual-first experience, and if your content hasn’t adapted, this is your wake-up call. When people search on Facebook, they’ll start seeing grid layouts similar to Instagram’s Explore page or even TikTok’s discovery screen. That means no more long scrolls filled with content you don’t want to see. The grid itself becomes the first impression. It’s your visual hook. But that doesn’t mean text is disappearing. In fact, thoughtful text may become a standout tool again because most people will overcorrect and assume visuals are the only thing that matter. As always, keep it varied as different content types serve different purposes.
Facebook also released an official update outlining how they’re making it easier to create, discover, and share content. They’re improving the creation tools inside the app, making recommendations more personalized, and simplifying the way people share posts with friends. There’s also a big push to help users find creators and communities that match their interests, which continues the trend across all platforms. Discovery is the name of the game these days.
For You in 2026
What does all of this mean for you? It’s simple. Social media is shifting toward clear messaging, strong visuals, and interest-based browsing. Users are getting more control than ever. And, the platforms are working hard to surface content that feels relevant, intentional, and easy to digest. If your strategy is built around those principles, you’re going to stand out. If not, now is the perfect time to refresh what you’re doing and set yourself up to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
This can all feel very overwhelming. Ironically enough, it is one of the things I love most about social media, the evolution. There is always something new to learn or ways to adapt. Some changes we love, others we hate. I’m still a little upset about the change to 4×5 ratio images on Instagram, if I’m being honest. One of my main goals in business, is to help you navigate these changes with ease. If you’d like to start the year off right, schedule a Social Media Audit with me. We will dig through your current strategy and profiles, and you will leave with at least 5 actionable items to up your social media game.
Be sure to follow Pink Sheep Co. on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and tricks and updates on the social media evolution.