Instagram Are Giving Users More Control Over Who Sees Their Posts
 |
| Pocket-lint |
Sharing options on Instagram have always been relatively basic, that is to say, you share a post and all your followers can see it. When the platform first emerged, there was no need for anything more sophisticated than that, it was just an app for sharing photos, but now it's one of the largest social networks out there and it's used for far, far more than uploading a landscape shot of a pretty sunset.
Reports have come out that Instagram are testing out private and/or limited sharing options, so that users can share content only to select groups of followers. This way, users would be able to customise their audience, which could drastically change the way people use the platform. Hackers have been tinkering around with this for years, but nothing has ever stuck.
Instagram have clearly recognised the demand for this feature, and they're taking cues from Facebook to bring it to life. They're calling it 'favourites', and as the name suggests, it's a list of close contacts which can be fully customised at will. When sharing a picture/video, you simply choose between the standard share button and a 'share to favourites' button. There's also a new tab which allows you to view everything you've ever shared to your favourites in one place.
The only way you'll know if you're on anybody else's favourites list is if you see a little green badge above their posts. If you can see that, then you'll be able to visit and view their favourites tab, and if you suddenly find that it's empty, it means that they've removed you, and it's probably time to start figuring out what you need to apologise for. You can't request to be added to a favourites list, either, it's all completely geared towards the user's discretion, which means that most users will likely only populate their favourites list with people that they interact with regularly.
It's more upfront than Facebook's version, and also more basic, as Facebook encourages you to make multiple lists, one of the reasons why their select friends feature has never really taken off. The green badge is also key; much like the little red number you see when you get a notification, seeing a green icon above certain posts will likely provide users with a little shot of dopamine, encouraging them to respond in kind.
Currently, the feature is being very carefully released to a small pool of users, but Instagram have been developing it for the better part of a year, and their enthusiasm about it suggests that they're keen to get it launched as soon as they can.
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @Songbird_Callum
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Instagram Are Giving Users More Control Over Who Sees Their Posts
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.