Instagram tests out persistent Stories bar

If this test becomes a full-fledged feature, you won’t be able to escape Instagram Stories then. The Verge’s Chris Welch noticed on his Pixel 2 XL a change to Instagram’s user interface. While he was scrolling through his main feed, he noticed the Stories bar stayed at the top of the page. When they reached out to Instagram about this, they got the boilerplate response, “We’re always testing ways to improve the experience on Instagram and make it easier to share any moment with the people who matter to you.” If you like checking Stories all the time, this new feature might be up your alley.

Source: The Verge

Instagram shuts down testing of screenshot notifications in Stories

Earlier this year, Instagram was testing out a feature that would let some users know if someone took a screenshot of their Story. But it seems testing has stopped. Instagram didn’t specify why they stopped it but it has confirmed the news. Now, users can go back to taking screenshots anytime they like without those they’re taking screenshots from being notified of the activity.

Source: The Next Web

Instagram will now let public accounts share Instagram Story posts that mention you

A new minor update to both iOS and Android Instagram apps will let you repost Instagram Stories you’ve been tagged in. If you have a public account, you will get a DM from the person that links to that Story post. You then get an option to share that post to your own Instagram Story. When you opt to share, you’ll be redirected to your Story editor page letting you do the usual editing you’d do for any other story you post. The name of the original poster is seen at the top, letting people tap on the account and view their profile.

Source: GSMArena

Instagram now lets you mute accounts you don't want to unfollow

Sometimes you have friends or family members you follow on Instagram that you don’t particularly care for but you can't necessarily unfollow. Instagram is going to help you save face with the new feature its introducing. The social network now has a mute option. As the name suggests, it won't show you posts or stories (or both) of people you mute. It's similar to the mute feature on Instagram and the unfollow on Facebook. You can turn mute on or off through the three-dot menu at the top right of the user's profile. You can opt out of seeing posts or stories or both. Instagram is currently rolling this out so you may or may not have this option already.

Source: Android Police