Instagram has released a new feature that focuses on creating photo slideshows users can share with friends and family called 'Instagram Stories.' Similar to Snapchat, consumers can upload photos from their smartphone album to share different parts of their day in a chronological fashion. The entire slideshow self-destructs after a 24-hour period with the ability to add edits and filters to the different photos and videos.
Rather than having the 'Instagram Stories' show up in the platform's traditional photo feed, Instagram is providing a separate identification system to watch the slideshows. When a follower uploads an image to their 'Instagram Stories,' the update will appear at the top of the user's feed and be identifiable with a colored ring encircling the follower's profile image. The updates will appear horizontally, rather than vertically.
Stories can be further customized with drawings, texts and emojis.
Self-Destructing Photo Slideshows
The 'Instagram Stories' Feature Uploads Previous Day Pictures
Trend Themes
1. Self-destructing Photo Slideshows - Disruptive Opportunity: Develop new ways for businesses to advertise on Instagram Stories before the 24-hour slideshow self-destructs.
2. Chronological Storytelling - Disruptive Opportunity: Create new storytelling methods for brands to engage with followers on Instagram Stories in a sequential and interactive way.
3. Customizable Slideshow Features - Disruptive Opportunity: Design and market new customizable features for consumers and businesses to enhance their Instagram Stories before self-destructing after 24 hours.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Disruptive Opportunity: Social media platforms can integrate self-destructing photo slideshows as a unique feature to keep up with the trend of chronological storytelling and satisfy users' thirst for more interactive content.
2. Advertising - Disruptive Opportunity: Companies can experiment with creative ways to advertise their products or services on Instagram Stories that disappear within 24 hours, which could create a sense of urgency and exclusivity for potential customers.
3. Digital Media Design - Disruptive Opportunity: Digital media designers can create new, innovative tools to help consumers and businesses personalize their Instagram Stories with elements such as text or drawings, further enhancing the visual capabilities on this social media platform.