As the holiday season approaches, Instagram has unveiled a slew of festive features designed to enhance user creativity and interaction. From Story Collages to new “Add Yours” templates and updated fonts, the platform is stepping up its game to help users share their best memories in style.
In a bid to further boost holiday engagement, Instagram has also taken inspiration from popular trends on rival platforms. To uncover hidden surprises in Instagram’s messaging features during festive seasons, check out these interesting Hidden Halloween Surprises in Instagram DMs.
A Closer Look at the New Features
- Collage Tool for Instagram Stories
Instagram’s new Collage option allows users to showcase their best moments of the year with personalized templates. This tool is officially rolling out after months of testing and mirrors Pinterest’s popular collage feature seen in the “Shuffles” app.- Users can combine multiple images to create custom visual highlights.
- Promoted as a way to reflect on “2024 highlights,” Instagram encourages users to create End-of-Year (EOY) themed collages.
- Instagram’s official statement:
“Share your favorite 2024 memories in style. As you reflect on the year (and plan your photo dump), celebrate this year’s highlights with an EOY-themed collage.” - Seasonal “Add Yours” Templates
Building on the success of the “Add Yours” stickers, Instagram has introduced seasonal variations to inspire participation. These templates are designed to match the festive vibe and encourage users to share unique content. - New Fonts and Chat Themes
Instagram has also rolled out fresh fonts and chat themes to make conversations and posts even more festive. Whether you’re decorating chats with holiday colors or creating seasonal-themed captions, the platform ensures every detail resonates with the holiday spirit.



Why Instagram is Pushing Festive Features
Instagram’s adoption of holiday-inspired tools comes as no surprise. Social media platforms like Pinterest have long capitalized on seasonal trends, with visual tools like “Shuffles” driving significant user engagement. By introducing Story Collages and creative templates, Instagram aims to:
- Retain users during the competitive festive period.
- Encourage content creation that reflects personal experiences.
- Boost interaction between friends, families, and brands.
Social media expert Sarah Thompson notes:
“Instagram’s focus on festive tools aligns perfectly with user behavior during the holidays. People love sharing highlights, and features like Collages make it easy and visually appealing.”
Practical Tips for Users
To make the most of Instagram’s new holiday tools:
- Use Story Collages to compile your top moments from the year.
- Participate in trending Add your templates to increase your reach and interaction.
- Experiment with new fonts and chat themes to enhance your creative output.
Brands and businesses can leverage these updates to connect with their audience:
- Run interactive holiday campaigns using “Add Yours” templates.
- Share curated year-end collages to showcase milestones or customer stories.
Why This Matters for Content Creators and Brands
With Instagram’s focus on engagement-driven tools, businesses, and influencers can benefit significantly by creating shareable and personalized holiday content. Whether it’s promoting products with Story Collages or participating in seasonal trends, the opportunities are endless.
If you’re looking to amplify your Instagram presence and engage with a wider audience this holiday season, Reviews Me can help you get started with authentic reviews and comments to enhance your social proof and visibility.Instagram’s new features—Collage tool, Add your templates, fonts, and themes—are perfect for both individuals and businesses to spread festive cheer. Start experimenting now and make your stories stand out this holiday season.
Author Bio:
Emily Carter is a digital trends analyst with over 8 years of experience covering social media updates and user engagement strategies.