Instagram adds Professional Dashboard for Businesses and Creators

Source: Instagram

Businesses and creators on Instagram now have access to a Professional Dashboard. While many of its features and resources already exist elsewhere, the dashboard makes them accessible from one central hub.

The dashboard can be accessed from the top of account profile pages. Sections include Track Your Performance, Grow Your Business, and Stay Informed, providing a mix of analytics, tools, and insights. Expect more updates throughout the year. “We’ll add to it over time,” said Instagram chief Adam Mosseri in a tweet.

Instagram Stories may soon show in a vertical feed

Instagram developers are testing reorienting stories into a vertical, rather than horizontal, feed. If implemented, instead of swiping left, viewers would swipe up to view the next story. The user experience would emulate the Instagram Reels or TikTok viewing experience. Snapchat also recently launched a similar feed called Spotlight.

The reorientation could lead to further changes, including integration of stories and Reels in the Explore feed or Reels tab. If “swiping up” becomes a way to navigate to another story, Instagram may also have to find another way for people to access links.

Instagram tests removing option to share posts to stories

Instagram is exploring removing the ability to share feed posts to stories. The option has been disabled in select markets where Instagram is testing differences in engagement.

Users in these markets received a notification that explained: “We hear from our community that they want to see fewer posts in Stories.” According to a statement from Instagram: “We’ve seen from research that people prefer to see original photos and videos in Stories from the people they care about. The goal of our test is to better understand how people feel about this type of content and ultimately improve the Stories experience.”

Meanwhile, the option to add tweets from Twitter to Instagram Stories may soon be available.