Instagram is making Stories more powerful. The latest update lets you do more with Instagram Stories, which is the app’s answer to Snapchat.
Instagram has started rolling out support for Boomerang video, mentions and links for Stories. Boomerang is Instagram’s app which lets you make GIF like looping videos. With the latest update, users can take Boomerang videos right inside Instagram’s app by swiping right from your feed to open the stories camera. The app gets a new format picker under the record button which lets you select “Boomerang” mode. Tapping the button will record and the camera will stitch together a burst of photos into a mini video that plays forward and backward. This video can be shared on other social platforms.
Next up, the update now lets you tag accounts within your Stories similar to the way you tag other people in photos or videos. When an account is tagged in a Story, tapping their username will link to their account page. If someone you don’t follow mentions you, you will see the notification in your message requests.
Finally, Instagram is testing links feature for few verified users. This allows them to add links inside their Stories and the link can be accessed by clicking on the “See More” button at the bottom of a Story.
The latest updates for Instagram Stories are available as part of Instagram version 9.7 available for iOS in the Apple App Store, for Android in Google Play and for Windows 10 in the Windows Store.