Instagram remains a powerhouse among social media platforms, boasting global popularity and a staggering number of monthly users. With its diverse array of features including Stories, Reels, videos, photos, shopping, and live streaming, Instagram continues to evolve. The platform frequently experiments with new features, some of which eventually become integral parts of the app.
Feed Options Evolution
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, recently announced the testing of new feed options. In addition to the algorithm-driven ‘Home’ feed, users will soon have the ability to switch between ‘Following’ and ‘Favorites’. The ‘Following’ feed will display posts solely from accounts followed by the user, arranged chronologically. Meanwhile, the ‘Favorites’ feed will prioritize content from selected favorite accounts, also in chronological order. These new feed options are currently undergoing testing, with a full rollout expected in the first half of the year.
Profile Embeds Integration
Instagram is introducing a new embed option for profiles, mirroring the existing capability to embed posts. This feature enables users to embed miniature versions of their Instagram profiles on third-party websites. Although currently exclusive to users in the US, it’s anticipated to expand to a broader audience soon.
Taking a Break
Aiming to promote healthy usage habits, Instagram is testing a feature encouraging users to take breaks from the platform. The ‘Take a Break’ prompt will appear after prolonged periods of scrolling, offering reminders at customizable intervals of 30, 20, or 10 minutes. While currently available in select regions including the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, its global rollout is imminent.
Post Rearrangement Capability
In a recent test spotted by Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram is experimenting with a post rearrangement feature. This functionality enables users to reorder posts within their feed according to their preferences. Unlike the current chronological display, this feature empowers users to curate their feed’s appearance. However, details regarding its official release timeline remain undisclosed.
Screen Sharing in Video Calls
Building upon its co-watching feature introduced in 2020, Instagram is trialing a new capability allowing users to share their phone screens during video calls. When activating screen sharing, the camera will be disabled, enabling the recipient to view the sender’s screen contents. This feature is currently in the testing phase, with no confirmed rollout schedule.
Extended Instagram Stories
Instagram is gradually rolling out support for longer Stories, offering select users the ability to post videos up to 60 seconds in length. Previously, videos were segmented into 15-second clips for Stories. With this enhancement, users can share uninterrupted 60-second videos, streamlining content creation and consumption.
