A NEW WAY TO VIEW INSTAGRAM STORIES IS ON ITS WAY

Instagram is continuing its line of creativity with by going back to what Facebook does best, and copy their rivals, with vertical Instagram stories feed. This concept would make Instagram resemble that infamous app known as TikTok.

We can currently view Instagram stories by the constant tapping of our screens or through horizontal swiping. Now, Instagram wants to swap this horizontal feature, which was first inspired by Snapchat.

The increase in popularity of TikTok has led to a wave of influence over other social networking apps. Not only is Instagram following TikTok’s lead, but Snapchat is not far behind. Snapchat has launched their ‘Spotlight’ segment, identical to TikTok in order to remain popular with a similar audience.

The battle between vertical and horizontal

Constant horizontal swiping and tapping through Instagram stories can easily become repetitive. The idea of vertical swiping through stories follows the essence of Instagram’s current feed. Switching to a vertical feed for Instagram stories could be a significant change for loyal users.

However, this shift could generate more opportunities for the development of the conventional Instagram layout that we have come to know and love. The sudden change in direction for Instagram stories may create a hierarchy, where videos are more relevant than images. This adjustment would match improvements to the TikTok algorithm to position the reels at the top of the food chain.

Alessandro Paluzzi, a successful mobile developer and leaker of all social media related material, uncovered this advancement and shared posted the following tweet:

So, when can we use this feature?

Alessandro’s tweet highlighted a sleek design with Instagram instructions that would allow him to swipe down to see his stories. Sad to say, this exciting new feature is not yet accessible to the public. Paluzzi was able to obtain this feature by accessing Instagram’s code. The update is at the primary level of development.

This feature is just a concept, meaning we may never see this vertical swipe move in action. However, all hope is not lost. The prototype demonstrates that Instagram is actively innovating in order to contend with one of its major rivals, TikTok.

What else is new to Instagram?

This is not the only feature that Instagram has adopted from its rival. Reels have also launched on Instagram’s explorer tab. We can see these Reels at the top of the explorer page. They have contributed to the development of a new framework that enables us to vertically swipe from video to video. Vertical swiping appears to be a new way forward for social networking apps!

On the other hand, some criticism has been directed at these consistent changes to make Instagram more or less similar to TikTok. These added features make the site look chaotic and unorganised, which isn’t the message that Instagram would like to convey. The news feed looks overwhelming due to the number of feeds, stories, IGTVs and Reels. Instagram has forgotten that less is more!

“We’re looking about how we can – not just with IGTV, but across all of Instagram- simplify and consolidate ideas, because last year we placed a lot of new bets. I think this year we have to go back to our focus on simplicity and craft”

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram

Adams statement above confirms Instagram’s recognition that it is quality over quantity and has pledged to improve this busy feed. Also, the misunderstanding between IGTV content and video posts will be vanquished. We’ll also get clarification regarding vertical stories and Reels.

The use of vertical swiping is to provoke a positive response from the target audience who are dedicated to TikTok. This is due to the declining popularity of the style that stories are currently presented.

What the creative minds at Instagram are going to develop to create a clean interface has yet to be revealed. We’re going to have to wait to see what these social media moguls create…

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