Social media platform Instagram has introduced three exciting new features to Stories. The company is calling these features the biggest update to Stories since its launch. Judging by what we have seen of these features so far, they may actually change the way we use Instagram. Let’s quickly dive in so that you can go update your Instagram app.
Okay, so here are the three new features that have been introduced by Instagram:
- Creators can add URL links to their stories that viewers can navigate to without leaving Instagram.
- It will enable users to be “@ mentioned” in someone’s story. Just like one can mention another user in their comments.
- It will let the users add a Boomerang to their story without having to go create one in the separate Boomerang app.
WAIT! Don’t just leave to update your app yet. Here is a detailed description on the new features:
Redirect users with Links:
As mentioned earlier, Instagram will now let creators add navigable URL links to their stories. This means, that viewers of the story can instantly be taken to whatever website the creator wants to send them, in just one click.
The app lets the creator add a link at the same time they are creating the Story. i.e. right after capturing a video or picture. There will be a button to add the link, just like there are buttons to add text or a drawing to a Story. Meanwhile, viewers gets an option of “See More” near the bottom of the story. Tapping on that, the viewer gets to see the actual URL that has been added to the post.
The feature will initially be available only to verified Instagram accounts. However, there is a good chance that it will eventually be enabled for the masses as well. Contrary to all the paid promotional activities on Facebook and Instagram itself, this new feature will add value to the free options of promoting brands on social media channels.
Mention friends in posts and let them know you have done so!
Until now, the users could only add text to their story before uploading it. But now, once you are done creating your story, you can also tag a friend. All you have to do is type “@” followed by your friend’s Instagram username. This works exactly like you tag a friend in a comment or a caption. You will able to tag up to 10 people in one Story.
The rest of the tagging tradition remains the same. The tag will take users to the profile of whoever is tagged in the story and once tagged, users will receive a notification.
What goes without saying, is that you need be following the person you tag. Not literally “following”, but just following on Instagram.
Unlike Links, Mentions will be available to all users.
And finally, the Boomerang
Last but not the least! Instagram is adding Boomerang, a stand-alone app that creates one-second video loops, to Instagram Stories. Now when you go to create a new story you can just swipe and opt to make a story in Boomerang mode.
This time saving update is the best of them all. Interestingly, Instagram is adding the ability to create Boomerangs to Stories, and not regular Instagram.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to update your app and tag your friend in your first Boomerang story!
