- Instagram is testing a new “Hype” option in Stories, allowing users to post comments that others can see in-stream.
- This move is part of Instagram’s focus on increasing direct engagement and interaction tools.
- Instagram has been rolling out alternative engagement options, such as Collaborative Posts and Close Friends sharing, to encourage more original content sharing.
Instagram Testing New “Hype” Option to Encourage Interaction in Stories
Instagram is currently testing a new feature called “Hype” that enables users to post comments to Stories that can be seen by others. This move is part of Instagram’s efforts to increase direct engagement and interaction within the app. Previously, replies to Stories were sent as direct messages to the creator, but the “Hype” option provides a new interactive way for users to engage with one another. Instagram has been focusing on enhancing direct engagement and interaction tools, as users have been posting more to Stories and sending more direct messages than posting to the main feed. The main feed has now become more of a discovery platform, while social elements are moving out of public sight. Instagram has introduced various engagement options, including Collaborative Posts, Close Friends sharing, and a comment “Wonder Wall.” Last month, Instagram also added the capability to share post replies to IG Stories, which is similar to the new “Hype” option but more focused on specific comments. In order to encourage more original content sharing, Instagram is expected to test out additional engagement options in the future.