Instagram Vertical Stories: New Feed Format Confirmed

Instagram Explores TikTok-Inspired Vertical Stories Feature

Instagram is currently developing a new functionality that aims to reshape the user experience within its application, drawing inspiration from the popular platform TikTok. This potential addition centers around a vertical feed for Instagram Stories.

Current Stories Navigation

Currently, users navigate through Stories via taps and horizontal swipes – a method initially adopted from Snapchat. However, the landscape is shifting, with even Snapchat incorporating features reminiscent of TikTok, as evidenced by the launch of Spotlight, its own short-form video platform.

The Appeal of Vertical Swiping

Vertical swiping presents a more intuitive navigation method compared to taps and horizontal gestures. This is largely due to its prevalence across the mobile web and within other prominent social media applications, such as the Facebook News Feed and the YouTube homepage.

Potential Impact on Content

Transforming Instagram Stories into a vertical feed would represent a significant alteration to the platform. This change could potentially signal a move away from static content, like photos and reshared Feed posts, which currently populate the Stories section.

Within a “Vertical Stories” feed, Instagram would likely prioritize video content over images to enhance its competition with TikTok. This aligns with the platform’s ongoing adjustments to its algorithms and overall design to favor Reels.

Discovery of the Feature

The “Vertical Stories” feature was initially discovered during development by Alessandro Paluzzi, who shared his findings on Twitter.

User Interface Details

Paluzzi’s screenshot reveals a straightforward user interface featuring the text: “Now you can swipe up and down to browse stories“, accompanied by a prominent, blue button labeled “Vertical Stories.”

Current Status and Confirmation

According to Paluzzi, the feature is not yet available to the public. He uncovered it while examining Instagram’s code.

Instagram has confirmed to TechCrunch that the feature is under development, but it is not currently being tested with users. A company spokesperson stated that it remains an early prototype.

Strategic Implications

While a prototype doesn't guarantee a public launch, its existence indicates Instagram’s exploration of strategies to effectively challenge TikTok.

Reels Integration and Platform Clutter

Currently, Instagram’s TikTok competitor, Reels, is integrated into the platform through the Instagram Explore page. Clicking on a Reels video leads to a dedicated vertical feed, mirroring the TikTok experience.

This integration feels disjointed and contributes to the increasing clutter within the Instagram app. Users now have multiple avenues for publishing videos, including the Feed, Stories, longer-form IGTV content, and Reels.

Simplification Efforts

Instagram acknowledges the complexity of its current structure. Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently discussed with The Verge that many users struggle to differentiate between IGTV content and standard Instagram videos.

He indicated the company is actively seeking ways to streamline and consolidate its features.

Potential for Format Consolidation

While Mosseri’s comments focused on IGTV, the overlap between Stories’ vertical video content and Reels is also significant. A “Vertical Stories” feed could potentially pave the way for merging these formats.

Alternative Possibilities

However, Instagram’s intentions remain unclear. The company may simply be aiming to modernize another aspect of its app with a vertical feed, anticipating a decline in the popularity of the traditional Stories format.