Instagram Introduces Public Comments on Stories to Boost User Engagement
Instagram has launched a new feature allowing public comments on Stories, aiming to drive greater interaction on the platform. This update is part of Instagram’s ongoing efforts to encourage more public discourse and engagement, especially as users increasingly gravitate towards private messaging and Stories rather than posting on their main feeds.
Experts at Instagram have noted that more users are engaging through Stories and direct messages, gravitating towards private conversations that do not contribute to the main feed. With the new commenting option, users can leave visible comments on Stories, which are displayed at the bottom of the screen, just above the viewer details.
This non-intrusive placement is designed to spark conversations without disrupting the visual flow of the content. Using this feature offers creators a way to increase interaction with their audience, potentially boosting their content’s reach and engagement. However, creators retain the option to disable comments if they prefer a more controlled conversation.
For businesses and brands, this update presents an opportunity to foster deeper connections with their audience by engaging in real-time discussions. Public comments on Stories could also provide valuable insights into audience preferences and reactions, helping businesses tailor their content strategy more effectively.
Over time, this feature will likely evolve to cover a broader range of uses. This all depends on how well the comments benefit engagement across the platform, and what tweaks or changes users feel are needed.