Instagram is testing new updates that are meant to facilitate interaction among users in smaller groups. These include new ways to respond to Notes, an ‘Events’ feature, and a ‘Nearby feed’ for Stories.
Users will soon be able to reply to Notes with all
kinds of content: audio clips, photos, videos, GIFs, and stickers. Notes was
originally launched in December last year and has gained popularity mainly
among younger users. Instagram has since been adding a variety of engagement options
within the functionality, such as music, video clip loops, and more.
‘Events,’ on the other hand, is a new feature designed to
create in-stream chat groups dedicated to specific private or public gatherings
and celebrations. It could be considered as a virtual gathering space where members
can share updates, photos, and videos amongst themselves.
The new Stories feed ‘Nearby feed’ is specifically curated
to show users public Stories posted by accounts including businesses in their
area. Another update for Stories is the addition of a setting that allows users
to filter the content that appears in their Stories – more specifically, updates from
others who follow them and vice versa.
The common element in all these updates, as apparent, is Meta’s attempt to enable connections within smaller groups and social spaces.
