Instagram's Latest Update: Sharing Others' Profiles in Your Story

Back in 2016, Instagram launched Stories, revolutionizing the platform by allowing users to share photos and videos that vanish after 24 hours. This feature gained immense popularity, boasting 500 million daily users in 2019, transforming the way users engage with the app.

A New Feature on the Horizon

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is gearing up to introduce a potentially game-changing update for Stories. Reports suggest that Instagram might soon enable users to share another user's profile directly onto their own Stories.

Insight from Noted Developer

Renowned developer Alessandro Paluzzi, known for his accurate insights, hinted at this upcoming feature. Paluzzi (@alex193a) on X (formerly Twitter) shared information indicating Instagram's work on allowing profile sharing in Stories, likening it to the existing "Add to Story" functionality.

Paluzzi's revelation suggests that users will be able to showcase different profiles on their Stories, prompting their followers to visit and potentially follow the displayed account or page.

Functionality and Expected Impact

Screenshots shared by Paluzzi depict a "View Profile" button within Stories, inviting viewers to explore the mentioned profile. This anticipated feature aims to aid users in amplifying profile visibility and potentially boosting follower counts for creators and influencers.

Much like the ephemeral nature of photos and videos in Stories, these profile invites are expected to vanish after 24 hours, maintaining the ephemeral essence of Instagram's Stories.

Instagram's Recent Innovations

Amidst this potential update, Instagram has been busy rolling out several new features. It introduced song lyrics display for Reels, offering more creative options for users to customize their content with favorite tracks. Additionally, new Reels editing tools allowing for clip cropping and rotation have been unveiled.

Expanding on its functionalities, Instagram enhanced the Close Friends feature, enabling users to share posts and reels exclusively with select individuals on their list, keeping the content visible only to a specific audience.

Furthermore, Meta has initiated a paid ad-free subscription for Instagram users within the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance user experience.

Instagram Updates 2023: A Year in Review

2023 has been a whirlwind for Instagram! From enhancing existing features to introducing innovative tools, the photo-sharing platform has kept users engaged and excited throughout the year.

Let's dive into some of the most notable updates:

1. Reels Take Center Stage:

• Longer Reels: Users can now create Reels up to 10 minutes long, opening doors for longer-form storytelling and creative expression.

• Remix and Duet Revamp: Remixes now offer more editing tools, and Duets can be created with Reels from public accounts, fostering interactive content creation.

• Improved Insights: Creators have access to deeper analytics, allowing them to better understand their audience and optimize their Reel strategies.

2. Stories Get Even More Captivating:

• Profile Sharing (Rumored): Get ready to spotlight your favorite creators! This potential feature might let you share other users' profiles on your Stories, boosting discoverability and follower growth.

• Song Lyrics Display: Reels now come alive with song lyrics, adding another layer of engagement and personalization to short-form videos.

• New Editing Tools: Crop and rotate individual clips within your Reels for more precise editing and polished storytelling.

3. Building Community and Connection:

• Expanded Close Friends: Share Stories and Reels with a curated list of close friends, creating a more intimate and personalized experience.

• Polls in Comments: Introduce interactive polls directly in your comments section, sparking conversations and gathering feedback from your audience.

• Quiet Mode: Take a break from the constant notifications with Quiet Mode, allowing you to focus on your own life without feeling pressured to engage.

4. Monetization and Features for Businesses:

• Gifts in Live Streams: Show your appreciation for creators by sending virtual gifts during their live streams, offering a new revenue stream for influencers.

• Paid Ad-Free Subscription: In select regions, users can opt for an ad-free experience, with a portion of the subscription fee going to creators they follow.

• Improved Insights and Analytics: Businesses have access to more detailed data and insights, helping them refine their marketing strategies and reach their target audience effectively.

5. Embracing the Future:

• NFTs on Instagram: The platform is exploring ways to integrate NFTs, potentially allowing users to showcase and even trade digital collectibles.

• Focus on Video: Instagram continues to prioritize video content, with Reels and IGTV remaining key features and potential future video formats in the pipeline.

• Metaverse Integration: While still in its early stages, Instagram is exploring ways to connect with the metaverse, creating exciting possibilities for virtual experiences and interactions.

• Instagram's official blog: https://about.instagram.com/blog