Instagram is currently experimenting with a new feature that allows users to collaborate on Stories specifically designed for their friends. Once again adding a feature that could change the social media marketing game overnight.
At first glance, this might seem a bit peculiar, but when you think about it, it actually makes perfect sense as a sharing option.
Jonah Manzano shared some screenshots on Threads for us to get a preview of this feature:
So, how exactly does it work? Let me break it down for you:
- Create a story for a friend:
- Capture friends at their best and weirdest. Then, pick out what they should share.
- It gets sent as a message:
- When it's sent, they decide whether or not to share it. They can't edit the story.
- If they approve, it's theirs:
- If they have a public account, anyone can see it. You won't see likes, reactions or replies, or be able to delete it.
- See it on their story:
- When it gest added, their viewers can see that you created it.
As mentioned earlier, when you create a Story for your friend, it will be sent to them as a message, allowing them to view it. If they choose to share it, it will be added to their Stories feed, with your handle credited as the creator. This feature can be a valuable tool for collaborating with friends, boosting engagement, and increasing exposure within the app.
Furthermore, if brands are given access to this feature, it could serve as a simplified way to source user-generated content. Brands can prompt their fans to submit content, with the potential to be featured on the brand's profile.
Instagram has confirmed that they are currently testing this feature with selected users, although there is no specific timeline for a full release yet. According to Instagram, they are constantly exploring new ways for people to share and connect on the platform, and this includes testing the ability to request to share a Story with a friend's story within a small group of people.
This feature is part of Instagram's ongoing efforts to introduce more collaborative options in the app. The platform has also been experimenting with features like Story "Hype" messages, "Add Yours" templates, public Collections, and more.
Instagram's chief, Adam Mosseri, has expressed the importance of maintaining the platform's social focus while expanding into entertainment. Therefore, it is likely that Instagram will continue to experiment with new features throughout the year to encourage user engagement and interaction.
If Friend's Stories is fully launched, it could prove to be an intriguing and interactive option for users.
