Instagram test that could likely be a controversial change to Instagram Stories. As first reported by TechCrunch, Instagram is developing a new feature that allows users to scroll through Stories vertically, as opposed to typing or swiping like the current design, similar to TikTok.
Alessandro Paluzzi first shared the discovery on his Twitter account. On the screenshot shared by Paluzzi, you can see text in the Instagram app teasing ‘Vertical Stories’ as a new feature. “Now you can swipe up and down to scroll through stories,” Instagram describes.
Instagram confirmed to TechCrunch that the TikTok-style feature is indeed something that is evolving, but it is still a prototype and not finished. “This is an early prototype and is not currently being tested on Instagram,” the spokesman said.
This means that although Instagram is prototyping the change, there is no guarantee that it will start for the public.
The TechCrunch report explains how a vertical, TikTok interface-style Instagram Stories can focus more on video than on static content. In fact, just yesterday, a report indicated that Instagram may soon stop people from sharing images from their feed to Stories.
That said, turning Instagram Stories into a vertical feed would be a significant change, and it could potentially put the stage on a shift away from more static content – like the photos and reshares Feed posts that are still common today fill the Stories section. In a ‘Vertical Stories’ feed, on the other hand, Instagram is likely to prioritize video messages rather than images to better compete with TikTok, just as it is currently adjusting its algorithms and overall design to prioritize Reels.
This change to Instagram Stories, if introduced to the public, is almost certainly controversial. Although swept vertically by Stories, it’s similar to TikTok, but it’s an important change for the many people who have muscle memory for the current interface.
What do you think of this change? Would you rather have a vertical or horizontal design for Stories?
FTC: We use revenue to earn automatically affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: