Instagram is said to be working on a new effortless way to fast-forward through Stories. A screenshot shows Instagram “Introducing a new way to move through posts by tapping through posts, just like you tap through stories.” The company even confirmed that it is testing tap to advance within Explore.
Instagram already uses an auto-advance feature in its ‘Videos You Might Like’ section of Explore, where videos jump to next when you finish the current video. Since news feed is filled with countless posts, photos, sometimes it is not clear when you’re done viewing, a quick tap is the closest thing to Instagram propelling you through posts automatically.
It also means users always see media full-screen rather than having to fiddle with scrolling to see the entire photo. This surely creates a more relaxing browsing experience. Instagram doesn’t show ads in Explore, but tap-to-advance could save your thumb stamina for more feed and Stories viewing.
An Instagram spokesperson confirming the feature said: “We’re always testing ways to improve the experience on Instagram and bring you closer to the people and things you love.” As for the timeline of when this feature would come to the news feed, it is not clear when and where that would happen.