Instagram Unveils New ‘Comment in Stories’ Feature: Enhancing Engagement and Privacy for Users
Instagram introduces a new ‘Comment in Stories’ feature, allowing users to publicly comment on friends’ stories while maintaining control over privacy. Learn how this update enhances user experience.
Instagram has launched a new feature, “Comment in Stories,” which allows users to publicly comment on friends’ stories, marking a shift from private comments to more interactive engagements. Users can control who comments on their stories, enhancing both flexibility and privacy. Additionally, Instagram has doubled the number of images or videos allowed in a carousel post, from 10 to 20, enriching content-sharing options. The platform’s commitment to improving user experience while prioritizing privacy is clear through these updates, amidst ongoing concerns about data privacy highlighted by reports of smartphone spying.
Instagram Rolls Out Public Commenting in Stories
Instagram has announced an exciting update for its users: the “Comment in Stories” feature. Revealed on Wednesday, September 4, at the Creator Lab Event in India, this new addition promises a significant shift in how users engage with stories on the platform. Previously, comments on stories were limited to private messages in direct chats (DMs). With this update, users can now leave public comments, adding a layer of visibility and engagement to stories shared by friends and followers.
This feature is designed with privacy in mind, as Instagram ensures that only mutual friends or users you follow can leave comments on your stories. It’s a step forward in fostering more open conversations while maintaining user control over who can engage with their content. According to Instagram spokesperson Emily Norfolk, users will have full control over the commenting feature, as they can choose to turn comments on or off depending on their comfort levels.
Enhanced Interaction: Instagram Expands Carousel Post Capabilities
In addition to the public commenting feature, Instagram has also expanded its carousel post capabilities, allowing users to add up to 20 photos or videos in a single post, up from the previous limit of 10. This update gives creators and everyday users alike more freedom to showcase multiple aspects of their content in one go. Whether it’s a travel story, an event recap, or a product showcase, users will have more room to express themselves in each post.
Instagram’s decision to increase the number of carousel posts aims to offer more versatility and engagement on the platform. By enabling users to share more within a single post, the update enhances storytelling opportunities while allowing viewers to swipe through content with greater ease. This feature is expected to be rolled out globally in the coming weeks.
Balancing Engagement and Privacy
Instagram has always been dedicated to improving the user experience, and these updates are a clear reflection of that commitment. The “Comment in Stories” feature, in particular, demonstrates the platform’s ongoing efforts to strike a balance between increasing interaction and maintaining privacy. Users will have full control over the visibility of comments on their stories, ensuring that they can manage interactions as per their preferences.
At the same time, Instagram continues to uphold its focus on data privacy, a concern that has grown more prevalent with recent reports about smartphones being used to collect data through active listening. A report from 404 Media highlights that smartphone microphones, through active listening software, capture conversations and serve targeted ads based on them. As platforms like Instagram evolve, the need for transparency and stronger privacy controls remains at the forefront of user concerns. The social media giant’s latest updates aim to give users more autonomy over their interactions while enhancing the overall platform experience.
A Step Forward in User Experience and Privacy
Instagram’s latest updates—the introduction of public comments in stories and the expansion of carousel post limits—illustrate its continuous effort to create a more interactive and user-friendly platform. The ability to manage who comments on your stories gives users greater control over their privacy while still fostering more visible conversations. Similarly, the extended carousel feature enhances content sharing, making the platform more dynamic for both casual users and creators.
These changes reflect Instagram’s broader strategy of prioritizing user engagement while ensuring that privacy remains a top priority, especially in a digital landscape where data security concerns continue to rise.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not reflect the official views of Instagram. The privacy concerns mentioned are based on reports and should not be taken as conclusive evidence. Always stay updated with Instagram’s official privacy policies and terms.)
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