Instagram announced four new features for the platform. The new features are based on “stickers” for stories. One of the coolest features is the ability to share a blurred photo, which your followers will only be able to see after they message you.
Instagram’s main objective behind this feature is to increase user engagement on the app. Additionally, there is a new music template feature, a frames feature, and a sticker cutouts feature, which is now rolling out to a wider audience.
Secret Stories on Instagram
Starting with an interesting feature that Instagram calls “Reveal”. The feature allows you to post a secret story, a blurred image, that your friends and followers can open if they ask you via DM.
To use the feature, go to the camera section by swiping from left to right. Select a photo you want to post as a secret story. Once you select a photo, you will see the new sticker icon that says “Reveal.” Or you can find it by tapping the stickers button at the top. You should see the resource in the pop-up. Tap it.
Now you will have to post a message, informing your followers what is hidden. Then tap Done. Lastly, tap the share button that looks like an arrow.
Frames
Another interesting feature that Instagram introduced some time ago and is now available to everyone is Frames. The feature allows you to post a story with a Polaroid overlay, the vintage white frame. But what’s interesting here is that users have to shake the phone to reveal the image, just like you would with real Polaroid photos.
To use the Polaroid Frames feature, swipe from left to right in the Instagram app on the home screen to visit the camera section. Then select a photo from the gallery to use as a background. Now, tap on the sticker icon at the top. Select Frames and it should ask you to select a photo for the frame.
Select one from the gallery. Then add a caption. Tap Done. Share by tapping the arrow. Now, your followers can shake their cell phone to view the image in the frame.
Add your music
Instagram is launching a new music sticker template that lets you share your favorite songs. It will also allow others to add their own favorite songs. To do this, swipe from left to right on the Instagram app on the home screen to visit the camera section. Then, make a background using text or selecting a photo.
Then tap the sticker icon at the top. Select the Add your music sticker. Tap ‘+’ to add your music. Finally, tap Done and share.
Cutouts
Instagram is also making the Clippings feature available to more people. This function allows users to create stickers from photos and post them to Stories. You can access the feature while creating a story by tapping the sticker option.
