What's New on Instagram? Story Comments and More

Instagram is shaking things up with a feature that could redefine how we interact with Stories: public comments. Until now, responding to a Story meant sliding into someone’s DMs, but Instagram is flipping the script:

• Public Comments: Comments on Stories will now be visible to others.
• Selective Engagement: Only mutual followers can comment, keeping the chat within a trusted circle.
• Ephemeral Nature: Just like Stories, these comments disappear after 24 hours.
• User Control: Posters can toggle comments on or off for each Story.

This change blurs the line between the impermanence of Stories and the lasting interactions of regular posts. But that's not all Instagram has in store.

Beyond Public Comments: More Interactive Features

Instagram is also introducing new tools aimed at making Stories and Reels even more engaging:

• Disappearing Notes: Temporary comments on grid posts and Reels that vanish after three days.
• Custom Visibility: Users can control who sees their notes—mutual followers or a selected "close friends" list.
• Eye-Catching Display: Notes appear as overlays, boosting visibility.
• Floating Hearts: Some likes will now pop up as floating hearts, reminiscent of those in disappearing notes.

What Does This Mean for Users?

Instagram is clearly steering users towards more public interactions within Stories and Reels, making them central to the platform's social experience.

The emphasis on ephemeral content reduces the pressure of permanence, allowing for more casual, spontaneous engagement.

The Bigger Picture

These updates hint at Instagram’s broader strategy: blurring the boundaries between different content types to foster deeper, more dynamic user interactions.

The platform is pushing for a more immersive experience, where users are encouraged to engage more openly and frequently.

Expect these changes to ramp up activity on your Stories—and to reshape how we all use Instagram in the near future.