Instagram rolls out new anti-bullying features

Source: Instagram

On top of launching a new Stories Map, Instagram celebrates its 10th year by developing its anti-bullying features. The social network will automatically hide comments similar to those that have been reported. These comments won't be deleted entirely, though. You can still tap on the View Hidden Comments button to see them. 

Instagram is also adding warnings for users who repeatedly post potentially offensive comments. Simultaneously, encouraging them to think twice before posting, an expansion to an initiative, started last year. The platform is testing these features out. 

On a lighter note, for October, you can use the old Instagram app icons with this easter egg. It's accessible via a long swipe down on the settings menu.

Source: The Verge

Instagram introduces 'Stories Map' to make it easier to find old posts

Source: Instagram

In time for celebrating its 10th birthday, one of the new features Instagram is introducing will make it easier for you to go through your Stories' archive. A new private Stories Map will show your Stories archive in either calendar or map view. The map is for your eyes only, but, just like before, you can reshare posts you want to. If you wish to access the feature, head to the Archive menu on your user profile.

Instagram has started rolling it out to users. We haven't received the update yet, so you might need to be a bit patient if it hasn't made its way to you. The platform has also begun testing new anti-bullying features.

Source: The Verge

Instagram's Reels doubles video recording time to 30 seconds

Source: Instagram

Instagram's answer to TikTok is now offering a longer recording time, allowing users to record 30-second clips instead of 15-second ones. Reels is still 30 seconds off of TikTok's offerings, but this update shows that Instagram is still serious about going "big with entertainment." And that this feature will be its "new chapter of entertainment." 

Instagram Reels also extends its timer from three to 10 seconds. It will also let you trim and delete any clip to help make it easier to edit. "We continue to improve Reels based on people's feedback, and these updates make it easier to create and edit," Tessa Lyons-Laing, product director on Reels, said to The Verge. "While it's still early, we're seeing a lot of entertaining, creative content."  

Instagram patent shows it might charge a fee for links in captions

If this patent ever becomes an actual product feature, Instagram can charge its users a fee for adding links to photo captions. The patent application Instagram's parent company Facebook filed back in 2016, displays a pop-up that would appear when a user adds a URL to a caption. It asks you if you want to pay $2 to make the link live.

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