Instagram Expands 'Stories' Feature to Explore Tab - MacRumors
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Instagram Expands 'Stories' Feature to Explore Tab

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instagramstoriesBack in August, Instagram introduced a new "Instagram Stories" feature, allowing Instagram users to post temporary images and videos to their profile. Content expires after 24 hours, giving users a chance to share more casual posts that won't be permanently available on Instagram.

Prior to today, Instagram users have only been able to see Stories from people they follow, but Instagram has added Stories to the "Explore" tab in the app, which will let users find interesting and popular story content from around the world.

A selection of Stories are now available at the top of the Explore page, denoted by small circles and a user name, which can be tapped to display the image and video content.

According to Instagram, the new Stories feature is personalized to each user's interests, much like the rest of the Explore tab.

Instagram can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

zed1291 Avatar
127 months ago
Can we un-expand it and turn stories off?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zed1291 Avatar
127 months ago
I for one, actually have started to enjoy stories. At first I didn't dig it, but it's grown on me. It's fun. I do wish I could hide stories from some people I follow, though.
I wouldn't mind if it was in another tab. I don't like the aesthetics of it.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrXiro Avatar
127 months ago
I wish I could get rid of that whole bar
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
127 months ago
Hmmmm... might need to watch what I like and who I follow on IG.

All I'm seeing are stories that belong to models or fitness chicks :D
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Xavier Avatar
127 months ago
If you hold down on their story icon you can click mute and that hides them
Yes, but you cannot do this from the explore tab. Sometimes I wonder how IG curates your explore tab. It is not very good.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
127 months ago
I for one, actually have started to enjoy stories. At first I didn't dig it, but it's grown on me. It's fun. I do wish I could hide stories from some people I follow, though.

If you hold down on their story icon you can click mute and that hides them
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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