A new feature for Instagram's Stories is set to enhance community engagement by allowing users to leave comments under their followers' Stories. This tool ensures that only followers can view and leave comments, with the additional restriction that only those followed back by a user can comment. Users also have the option to disable this feature at their discretion.
The rise of private messaging and closed groups has significantly impacted social media dynamics, influencing user behavior in terms of posting content. This new commenting tool combines two popular features among Gen Z users: Stories and direct messages (DMs).
Instagram's head highlighted the shift in user behavior, noting that teens spend more time in DMs and Stories compared to the Feed section. By introducing this feature, Instagram aims to redirect user interactions from private messaging to Stories, potentially increasing user engagement with ad-supported Stories.
These comments are ephemeral in nature, aligning with the temporary nature of Stories that auto-delete after 24 hours. The feature is designed to foster more interactive and public conversations within the Stories platform.
Some influencers have expressed enthusiasm for the feature, anticipating that it will create a more dynamic and engaging environment within Stories. They believe it will lead to longer user engagement with Stories, benefiting creators who predominantly share Stories over Feed posts.
Instagram has also introduced a new design for likes on posts and Reels, where likes appear as floating hearts alongside the user's profile photo. Tapping on the floating heart directs users to a direct message chat with the person who liked the post or Reel.
