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Instagram has done it again - changed! Yesterday the popular social media platform, which is owned by Facebook, announced on its blog that it was introducing Instagram Stories on iOS and Android.
The new feature was created to allow users to share moments of their day, not just the candid filtered selfies the photo-sharing site has become known for.
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According to Instagram, “With Instagram Stories, you don’t have to worry about overposting. Instead, you can share as much as you want throughout the day — with as much creativity as you want. You can bring your story to life in new ways with text and drawing tools. The photos and videos will disappear after 24 hours and won’t appear on your profile grid or in feed.”
Instagram Stories took many users by surprise, and much like its recent logo rebrand, there were mixed reviews of the latest feature. Many people felt the new feature was all too familiar, and there was lots of buzz on social media about how Instagram’s new feature was a rip-off of the popular millennial messaging tool Snapchat.
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Other users quickly adopted and embraced Instagram’s Stories and expressed excitement that they could now post images, videos and real-time experiences in one place.
Using Instagram Stories to create temporary moments using video or images is easy, especially if you have used Snapchat before.
Here is how you create one:
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Go to the home screen and click on the + button in the top left corner or swipe left in your feed
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Enable the microphone in your mobile settings (if you haven’t done so already)
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Tap the circle button at the bottom of the screen to take a photo, or hold down the circle button to record a video
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Edit the photos or videos by swiping to the right to add filters or click the icons on the top right to add a drawing or text
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Tap done to save your story
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Tap the checkmark button to share your story
People who follow you will be able to see the photos and images that you add to your Story in a bar at the top of their feed.
Mad about metrics? To see who is checking out your Instagram Story, simply open your Story and swipe up on the screen. Only you will be able to see information including the total number of views and the names of people who viewed your Story.
Like Snapchat, Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, and is a great way for businesses to engage with their audience and provide unique content that is relevant and timely.
Instagram Stories are a great way to show what goes on behind-the-scenes at events, fashion shows and product launches.
Businesses can get creative and give their followers exclusive insight when special guests or celebrities take over the account.
