Instagram Story Comment Feature | Boost Engagement with Story Replies

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Instagram continues to evolve, offering 2 billion monthly active users' new ways to interact and engage with content. The latest addition to the platform is the ability to add comments to Stories. This feature, already being rolled out, aims to enhance user interaction and keep Instagram at the forefront of social media engagement.

New Feature of Instagram of Story Commenting

What is the Comments Feature on Instagram Story?

Instagram Stories Comments is a recent update that allows users to publicly comment on someone's story. This feature has opened up a new avenue for interaction and engagement on the platform.

Here are some major key features of this Instagram update of story comments: -

Public Comments: Unlike the previous method of replying to stories via direct messages, comments are now visible to everyone who views the story.
Visibility Control: Story creators have the option to control who can comment on their stories. They can choose to allow comments from everyone, only people they follow, or no one at all.
Ephemeral Nature: Comments will disappear along with the story after 24 hours, unless the story is saved as a highlight.
Interaction Boost: The feature is expected to increase engagement and interaction among users, fostering a more dynamic community.

Some major key features of Instagram update on story comment feature

How Does Story Comment Feature works in Instagram?

When you view a Story, you’ll now see a comment icon at the bottom of the screen, alongside the usual reply option.

You can also comment on stories of your friends and celebrities

Clicking this icon will allow you to type a comment, which will be visible to the Story creator.

Unlike traditional comments on posts, these Story comments will only be visible for 24 hours, in line with the lifespan of the Story itself.

According to a report by The Verge, users can opt to enable or disable comments as per their preference. Gadgets 360 staff were unable to verify its availability on Instagram for both Android and iOS devices.

Use the Instagram Story Comment Feature in 4 easy steps

To use the Instagram Story Comment Feature in 4 easy steps, follow these instructions: -

1) View a Story: Open Instagram and tap on a user's story (the circle at the top of the feed). The feature works only when viewing someone's story.

Go to Instagram for finding the story comment feature button

2) Tap the "Send Message" Box: At the bottom of the screen, there’s a "Send Message" or "Reply" box. Tap on this to start writing your comment.

3) Write Your Comment: Type your comment or response in the box. You can use text, emojis, or even add stickers, GIFs, or media if needed.

Write your comment through clicking the button on Instagram

4) Send Your Comment: Once you’ve written your comment, hit "Send," and it will be sent as a direct message to the person whose story you're responding to.

The comment appears privately as a direct message rather than publicly on the story.

What are the Differences Between Comments and Replies on Instagram Story

While both comments and replies offer ways to interact with Stories, there are key differences: -

1. Visibility

Comments: Visible to the Story creator and any other viewers of the Story (if the creator allows it). These comments enhance public interaction and can generate conversations around the Story content.
Replies: Private messages sent directly to the Story creator. These do not appear publicly and are only visible to the sender and receiver.

2. Engagement

Comments: Foster a sense of community as other viewers can see and react to them.
Replies: Provide a more personal interaction, often used for more private or detailed conversations.

3. Lifespan

Comments: Exist only as long as the Story, disappearing after 24 hours.
Replies: Stored in the DM section and do not disappear with the Story, allowing for ongoing conversation.

The Impact of Instagram Story Comments Feature on User Engagement

Instagram Stories are immensely popular, with over 500 million users engaging with Stories every day and the most active 25% of brands are even more engaged, posting Stories around 20 times a month, while the least active quartile sticks to just over one Story per week.

The introduction of a comments feature could further boost this engagement.

According to a study by Hootsuite, 58% of Instagram users say they are more interested in a brand after seeing it in Stories. By allowing public comments, Instagram enables users and brands to interact more openly, potentially increasing visibility and user participation.

Story Comment Feature Increased User Interaction: This feature encourages users to engage more with Stories as they can now comment publicly, similar to how they would on a post. This is likely to increase the time users spend on the app and improve overall user satisfaction.

Major Benefits for Content Creators and Brands of Story Comment Feature on Instagram

For content creators and brands, this feature is particularly beneficial. It allows them to see and respond to public feedback in real-time, fostering a more interactive and engaging community. Brands can leverage this feature to gain insights into audience preferences and reactions, tailoring their content accordingly.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While the new feature is promising, it also comes with potential challenges.

For instance, the temporary nature of these comments may make it difficult for brands and creators to track feedback over time. Additionally, managing public comments may require more moderation to ensure a positive and respectful environment.

Privacy Concerns

Given that comments are visible to others, users may need to be cautious about what they share, knowing it could be seen by a broader audience. Instagram will need to balance between promoting engagement and maintaining user privacy.

Conclusion on Instagram Story Comment Feature

The introduction of comments on Instagram Stories is a significant update that could reshape how users and brands interact on the platform. By adding this feature, Instagram is not only increasing engagement but also providing new opportunities for users to connect and converse publicly. As this feature continues to roll out, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and impacts the Instagram community.

This new feature is part of Instagram’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and keep up with the ever-changing dynamics of social media interaction. Whether you’re a casual user or a brand looking to engage more with your audience, this feature is one to watch.

FAQs on Instagram New Story Comment Feature

1) Where can I find the best Instagram Story Templates?

Ans: Instagram Story Templates can be found in AI Instagram Story Maker Tool for free at Creatosaurus.io.

2) I can't see this update in my Instagram Account. What this means?

Ans: The update is coming soon but some creators like marketing strategist Taylor Loren (@taylor.loren on Threads) and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also posted a screenshot in the company’s Channel (see below).

3) Can I report inappropriate comments on my story?

Ans: Yes, you can report any inappropriate comments by tapping on the comment and selecting the "Report" option.