Instagram has once again shaken up its user interface, this time bidding farewell to the iconic circles that housed ‘Featured Stories’ at the top of users’ profiles. The popular social media platform, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., has moved these stories to a new tab, signaling a significant change that users will need to adapt to.
The Update: What’s Changed?
The update, which has been rolled out incrementally to users, removes the circular icons that previously showcased a user’s selected stories at the very top of their profile. These stories are now accessible through a new ‘Featured Stories’ tab, represented by a heart icon, which has been added to the navigation bar on users’ profiles.
According to recent reports, the change will be fully implemented by September 17, 2024. Once the update is complete, users will no longer see the familiar row of circular stories at the top of their profiles. Instead, they will find these stories in a grid layout within the new tab.
Adapting to the New Layout
While the change may initially cause some confusion and discomfort among users, the core functionality remains intact. Users will still be able to view each featured story by clicking on the respective grid box. The categorization name will still appear at the bottom left of each story, allowing for easy navigation.
The new layout also offers some benefits. Users can now preview all stories by long-pressing the bottom of the grid, similar to the existing feature for individual stories. Additionally, users can still edit the cover or the content of their featured stories by selecting the ‘More’ option at the bottom right.
Meta’s Constant Evolution
This update is part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to refresh and improve its platforms. In recent months, the company has made several notable changes, including the announcement that non-official filters will be discontinued starting January 2025. The new featured stories layout, with its vertical grid arrangement, introduces a TikTok-like aesthetic, which could be a strategic move to keep up with the popular short-video platform.
Moreover, Meta has been testing a feature that allows users to reply to stories more publicly, which is reminiscent of the hyper-comment feature. This new feature is somewhat similar to the chat interface during YouTube live streams, indicating a trend towards more interactive and engaging social media experiences.
User Reactions
Reactions to the update have been mixed. For users who do not frequently use featured stories, the change may seem inconsequential. However, for those who have grown accustomed to the circular layout at the top of their profiles, the shift to a new tab and grid format may require some adjustment.
Some users have expressed frustration, while others see it as an opportunity to explore new ways of engaging with their audience. The change has sparked conversations on social media, with users sharing screenshots of their updated profiles and discussing the pros and cons of the new layout.
Conclusion
Instagram’s latest update is a testament to the platform’s commitment to innovation and evolution. While the disappearance of the circular ‘Featured Stories’ icons may take some getting used to, the new layout offers a fresh perspective and aligns with the current trends in social media design. As users adapt to the changes, it will be interesting to see how this update impacts engagement and user experience on the platform.
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