2025 Instagram Updates for Real Estate Agents
Everything Real Estate Agents Need to Know About Instagram Updates
Instagram continues to evolve as one of the most powerful tools for real estate agents to attract and engage with potential clients. In this guide, we’ll explore the latest Instagram updates and how you can leverage them to grow your business and expand your audience.
How to Get Your Instagram Reels and Posts Seen by Non-Followers
If you want to reach beyond your existing followers, your content must meet these five Instagram requirements to be recommended to non-followers:
1. No Watermarks
Instagram favors clean, professional content. Reposting videos with visible watermarks, such as those from TikTok or other apps, reduces your chances of being recommended. Create original, watermark-free content to maximize your reach.
ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAY: don’t add your logo to reels or post reels with TikTok or CapCut watermarks
2. Videos Must Be 3 Minutes or Less
Short, engaging videos are key to capturing attention. Keep your videos concise, delivering value quickly and effectively. For real estate agents, consider creating quick virtual tours, market updates, or tips for buyers and sellers that fit within this time frame.
ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAY: As I always tell clients, don’t waste your first second:
→ Text should appear right away rather than wait even 1 second
→ The first 1-2 seconds of the reel should include the most striking and eye catching clips
→ When sharing “talking head” reels, get rid of pauses, “Ummmm….”s, and other dead space.
3. Add Audio, Especially with Carousels
It’s increasingly important to use audio with your content, especially carousel posts. Audio can truly transform your posts from static to dynamic. Instagram users engage more with content that includes sound. When a song fits the “vibe” of the post/reel, it can really take it to the next level.
Additionally, in order for carousel posts to be shown on the Reels tab, you must include audio.
ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAY: always add audio to your carousel posts & reels
4. Your Account Must Be in Good Standing
A good standing account ensures Instagram’s algorithm trusts your content. Avoid activities like excessive spamming, buying followers, or violating Instagram’s guidelines to maintain credibility and visibility.
5. Share Original Content
Instagram prioritizes authentic, original content. This means no reposting someone else’s video or meme. Create videos and posts that showcase your unique perspective, whether it’s a day in the life of a realtor, client testimonials, or personalized advice for homebuyers.
What Does "Original Content" Mean?
“Original content” requires that you share your own creations. Instagram’s algorithm devalues reposted memes, videos, or stock templates without meaningful additions or modification. For real estate agents, this means avoiding generic content or templated reels from platforms like Canva provided by marketing memberships or your brokerage.
Is The Agent Toolkit content considered “original content”?
Yes. The Agent Toolkit promotes originality by requiring you to use your own footage and fill in the blank style caption. We provide the framework for original content while simplifying content creation. This approach keeps your content fresh, relevant, and eligible to reach a broader audience.
Reels Updates: See What Your Followers Are Liking
Instagram Reels remain a top-performing content format, and the latest updates give real estate agents even more tools to succeed:
Understand What Content Your Followers Like Instagram now lets you see which of your posts resonate most with your audience. Use this feature to analyze what works and double down on creating similar content. For instance, if your audience loves before-and-after staging videos, make more of them!
Leverage "Nearby Content" to Generate Local Leads
Instagram’s new "Nearby Content" feature is a game-changer for real estate agents. Here’s how you can use it:
Stay Updated on Local News and Trends By following nearby content, you can tap into what’s happening in your area. This information can inspire timely posts about community events, market trends, or local hotspots.
Engage with Nearby Users This feature allows you to see reels from users in your area. Commenting, liking, and sharing relevant posts helps you build connections and increase your visibility within your target market.
For real estate agents focused on generating local leads, nearby content is invaluable. Highlight your knowledge of the community and position yourself as the go-to expert for local real estate.
Metrics That Matter Most
To grow your Instagram presence, focus on improving these key metrics:
1. Watch Time
The longer people watch your videos, the better your content performs. Create reels that capture attention immediately and keep viewers engaged until the end. Consider using storytelling techniques, like showing a property’s hidden gem last, to encourage full-length views.
2. Likes
Likes are back in the spotlight. They show Instagram that your content resonates with your audience. Encourage likes by including call-to-actions, such as “Tap the heart if you’d love to live here!”
3. Shares
Shares are the ultimate sign that your content is valuable. They expand your reach and bring non-followers to your profile. Post shareable content, like helpful tips for homebuyers, entertaining real estate memes, or inspiring home transformations.
Content that encourages shares:
Strategy #1
Tell the audience to share it → “send this to someone who...”
Strategy #2
Make them feel something because humans like to SHARE their feelings or relate to others
Strategy #3
Local lifestyle reels that might make someone send to a friend and say, “let’s do this” or “lets go here”
Ready to Start Generating High-Quality Leads from Instagram?
This is all part of a greater (yet simple) strategy to grow your local following, nurture your audience and give them opportunities to convert.
No guess work & 90% done-for-you, yet wildly personalized and specific to your niche/market? For less than your monthly coffee budget?
Enter: The Agent Toolkit
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