Instagram Stories Update: Users Can Now Mention Friends And Post Boomerang Videos

Instagram released a new update on Thursday, Nov. 10 for its Stories section in a move to pull away from Snapchat, with which it has often been compared. The new features allow users to include mentions and post looping videos using the Boomerang App.

To mention IG friends or accounts in a Stories post, users have to type "@" with the text tool. A mention will appear as an underlined text and tapping it will lead to a preview of the tagged account. Another tap will lead to the profile of the tagged user.

Up to 10 Instagram users can be mentioned in a story whether they are in it or not, and notifications will come in the form of direct messages. But users have to make sure that the text size is moderate: if it's too big or small, the tag ceases to become an active link. 

The other new tool makes use of Boomerang, an Instagram-affiliated app that lets users create short, looping videos. Now, that function is incorporated in Stories even for those who do not have the Boomerang app.

Located on the lower right side of the screen, the Boomerang mode can be used to record and post a looping burst of five photos at most. They will then play continuously. Unlike in the standalone app, Boomerang posts in Instagram Stories can be shorter than 1.5 seconds, and the camera can be reversed midway through the shot.

Another new feature allows Stories posts to contain hyperlinks, which if tapped would load web sites using Instagram's browser. A "See more" message will appear in posts that have links.

However, Instagram said it is still testing the feature and only verified Instagram users will have it at the moment. There's no indication yet if and when it will be available to all users.

It's the first time for links to be allowed in the popular photo-sharing app, The Verge reports. Nathan Sharp, the app's product manager, said the links feature is a response to the large number of brands that use links to promote their content. Sharp added that Instagram wants to give its users a "linear narrative experience" and make them not have to leave the app.

The new features not only make Instagram Stories distinct from Snapchat. They can also encourage content creators to choose Instagram over Snapchat, which has far fewer tools, reviewers say.

Do these new features make you want to use Instagram more than Snapchat? Share your thoughts with us!