Instagram for iOS has started testing a well-known feature in order to offer it to all users via a new sticker.
Like The Verge reportedInstagram wants to give all users the ability to share links in Stories in the future. Currently, Instagram users with 10,000 followers or a verified badge have the option to add links to their Stories using a "swipe-up" design. What Instagram is now testing, however, isn't a swipe-up, but rather a linking sticker.
These stickers will work in the same way as a swipe-up link, just with a tap instead of a swipe. This also means people will be able to react to stories that contain a sticker, which isn't possible with stories that have a swipe-up link.
Instagram: Shared links in stories are strictly monitored
The test is currently limited, meaning only a few users can currently access it.
The test is still small at the moment, and Vishal Shah, Instagram's Head of Product, tells The Verge that the main goal is to figure out how people are using the links. They'll be paying attention to the types of links people post, keeping a close eye on misinformation and spam. Also, he says, stickers are a better fit for how people currently use the platform, so he explains that this test "brings links into the same overall system, which makes a lot of sense from a simplicity perspective."
Even though the test is currently being kept small, Instagram hopes to be able to roll out the link stickers to everyone at some point. It is currently not known when the feature will finally be available worldwide. (Photo by nikkimeel / Bigstockphoto)
