Instagram wants to take on TikTok by offering full-screen video content

Instagram doesn't want to be known as the "square photo-sharing app" anymore. At least that's what Instagram head Adam Mosseri is saying. The Facebook-owned social network wants to lean more into entertainment and video, not unlike its competitor, TikTok. Aside from offering features like IG TV, Reels, and Stories, Instagram's plans involve "embracing video more broadly," starting with "full screen, immersive, entertaining, mobile-first video."

The company also plans to test recommendations over the next few months, showing content on your Instagram Feed that you might not be following yet. According to Mosseri, Instagram users plan to experiment more in this area "over the coming months."

Source: Adam Mosseri | Via: MacRumors

Instagram experiments with offering posting on desktop

The latest experiment Instagram is trying on the desktop brings the ability to post via the web browser. Social media consultant Matt Navarra shared screenshots of the feature, which Facebook has confirmed it is testing.

"We know that many people access Instagram from their computer," spokesperson Christine Pai told Bloomberg. "To improve that experience, we're now testing the ability to create a Feed post on Instagram with their desktop browser."

Based on Navarra's screenshots, Instagram on the web will let you select aspect ratios, apply built-in filters, and use the essential editing tools. It isn't available for all users yet. But this might be a welcome addition, especially for social media professionals who need an easier way to manage their accounts.

Source: The Verge

Instagram lets you add pronouns on your profile now

Instagram will now allow you to add your preferred pronouns to your profile as a way to specify your gender identity. You can choose from a pre-approved list the social network created in consultation with LGBTQ+ organizations like The Trevor Project, PFLAG, and GLAAD. You can pick up to four pronouns, and you can opt to have this information viewable publicly or for your followers only. Those under 18 are required to opt for the latter by default.

The feature is available in Canada, the US, UK, and Australia for now. To add your pronouns, head to the Edit Profile button and tap on Pronouns; you can then type in and find your preferred pronouns there.

Source: HYPEBAE

Instagram begins rollout of captions sticker in Stories

Instagram

A useful accessibility feature is coming to Instagram Story users. The app has begun rolling out in a "handful of countries" the ability to use captions sticker in Stories. This feature automatically generates text for your audio, so users who don't have their sounds on can see what you're talking about. We've already seen this being tested before. According to Instagram, the feature will be coming to Reels soon. It won't just be helpful for those who want to see what's happening with audio on; it'll also help those who are hard of hearing to understand what's being said in the videos they watch.

Source: Instagram