TechCrunch: Instagram Will Now Let Creators Add URL Links, Tag Friends, and Create Boomerangs in Stories

The photo sharing social network has announced new features to Stories. These new features are the biggest update to Stories since its launch, according to a recent TechCrunch article . Using Snapchat's user experience for the inspiration for Stories, the company is trying to differentiate itself with innovative new aspects to the platform for users to experience.

Creators can now add URL links to Stories that viewers will be able to visit without leaving the app. Once the link is tapped, a browser will be opened up to the website specified by the creator within Instagram. When creating a story, there will be a button to choose if you would like to add a link, similar to the add text or drawing options. The link will appear as a “See more” section at the bottom of a story for users istead of showing an ugly link.

Users will now have the ability to be “@ mentioned” in another user’s story if the creator tags them. This can be done when adding text to a story by typing in @ and then the username. Up to 10 people can be tagged in a story, but this will show as text and could clutter the view of a photo or video.

The last change to Stories that Instagram announced is that users will be able to add a Boomerang video to their story without having to go to the Boomerang app outside of Instagram to do so. Instagram’s stand-alone app lets you create one-second video loops that can now be access through the Stories feature. Boomerang mode will be an option for users instead of taking a video or photo.