After launching its new Snapchat-inspired ‘Stories’ feature earlier this year, which allows users to share a time-limited collection of videos and photos in a slideshow-like format, Instagram is today rolling out an update that adds new functionality to Stories.
New in the update is a built-in “Boomerang” mode that lets you tap into some of the functionality from Instagram’s standalone app of the same name. That is, the ability to stitch together a burst of photos into a GIF-like video…
Also new for Stories in Instagram is mentions, which work the same way as in normal Instagram posts, allowing you to tag other usernames within a Story. Instagram also notifies users you tag directly, and they can click through to see the story as long as it’s still live.
Swipe right from your feed to open the stories camera. A new format picker under the record button lets you select “Boomerang” mode. Tap record and the camera will stitch together a burst of photos into a mini video that plays forward and backward. Then share it to your story.
And finally, with today’s update you will begin to notice “See More” links in some stories, although Instagram for now is limiting that feature to certain verified accounts:
The new features are available in the latest version of Instagram for iOS, version 9.7, on the App Store.
Watching someone’s story and want to dig deeper? You may spot “See More” links at the bottom of some stories. This is a test that lets verified accounts add links so it’s easy to learn more. From discovering the latest music by Chance the Rapper (@chancetherapper) to learning about a new movie starring Dwayne Johnson (@therock) or reading a related article from Bustle (@bustle), tap “See More” or swipe up to view the link right inside the app.
