Bloggers and businesses all over the world went crazy when Instagram launched stories; a great way to engage with your followers authentically, in a similar way to Snapchat. While, rivalry has been fierce between Snapchat and Instagram since, it looks like Instagram are pulling ahead with a brand new update.
We were so excited at the introduction of Instagram stories, but three months down the line, Instagram have changed the game, by introducing mentions, links and an integrated version of their incredibly fun Boomerang tool.
So why is this update such a great addition for businesses and bloggers? Well, the obvious reason is that the integration of links allows you to drive more traffic to your website or blog, partnered with really engaging and lively content. Unfortunately, this feature is currently only available to verified Instagram users, but still is a huge step for Instagram, as it marks the first time links have been allowed in the platform, outside of your bio. By simply swiping up, when watching a story, your followers will be directed straight to the link, via Instagram’s in-app browser.
Nathan Sharp, an Instagram product manager told The Verge this new addition was a response to the huge number of brands using Stories. “It was a question of trying to keep this seamless, linear narrative experience,” says Sharp, but so far there’s no word on whether all users would be able to posts links eventually.
Mentions are also a key feature that sets Instagram stories apart, from their rival Snapchat. Now you can mention your contacts, providing their handle is moderately sized, sending them a notification via direct message. This is a great way for businesses and bloggers to work collaboratively, as you can help other Instagram users to discover new accounts, with an easy clickable link to their profile.
Using the type tool, when editing your story, start with an ‘@’, which will bring up a list of your frequent contacts. Once you have tagged them, their Instagram handle will appear in your story with an underline. All your audience has to do is tap once for a preview of their profile and again to visit the profile; this could be a great way of boosting your business account’s followers or even featuring a brand you’re working with. However you decide to employ this feature, we think it’s a definite bonus!
While we’re saying goodbye to Vine, the original app for looping your videos, Instagram’s Boomerang tool has surged in popularity and has been a great way for so many Instagrammers to inject some life to their profile. The integration of the tool to their stories feature is a welcome addition, allowing users to be more creative with the stories they share. You can now tap the Boomerang icon, within stories, to create a loop of a (roughly) 1.5 second video or a burst of up to five photos. In stories, you can even change reverse your camera mid-shot, another great addition.
This a massive step for Instagram, who seem to have finally overtaken Snapchat and are well on their way to creating a stories format that is far more creative than the Snapchat original. We love it and can’t wait to see what’s to come.
