After Instagram copied Snapchat's stories concept, it is now ready to move on to its next prey. The social media app is planning to test a new feature where users can quote Instagram Stories similar to Twitter's "quote tweet" feature, TechCrunch reports.
A user shared screenshots of what it will look like and Instagram later confirmed the company is working on the feature. It is currently being tested with a small subset of users. "We’re always testing ways to make it easier to share any moment with friends on Instagram," a spokesperson said.
Instagram Stories gets ‘quote tweet’-style feed post resharing https://t.co/4wBHicX6qa pic.twitter.com/lhI3YnevrG
There has always been a way to "regram" posts through third-party apps, which sometimes could only work after clicking through a bunch of spammy ads. Or there was the alternative of taking a screenshot of someone else's post. But now we'll be able to do all of this through the app in the right way.
So how does it all work? First you pick a public Instagram post and tap a button to embed it in your Story. Then, according to TechCrunch, "you can tap to change the design to highlight or downplay the post’s author, move and resize it within your Story post, and add commentary or imagery using Instagram’s creative tools." When people see your story, they can tap on the post embed, which will bring up a “see post” button that directs them to the original post.
Users who aren't into the "quote-Storied" idea can turn off the option by going to their settings. Only public posts will have the option of being reshared. So if you have a private account for stalking purposes, you don't have to worry. Facebook (who acquired Instagram in 2012), says there isn't a set timeframe on when this feature will be available to everyone beyond the current small group of users.
But based on how widely used those third-party repost apps have been over the years, it wouldn't be a surprise if Instagram decides to roll out this new feature very soon.
