Instagram has done it again! The photo-sharing app has released a new update that allows users to upload multiple images to a single post in a slideshow format, changing the Instagram game as we know it and upsetting a number of loyal users in the process.
Users will now be able to combine up to 10 images and videos in a single post. Can’t decide which photo from last night’s concert is your favorite? Now you don’t have to! When a user shares multiple images, four blue dots will appear along the bottom of the post to let your followers know to swipe through the images. When looking at your profile, multi-photo posts will be denoted by the colored logo in the upper right-hand corner of the post’s opening image. Likes for a single album post will be cumulative and will not show up individually for each photo and video.
Instagram Product Manager, Yichen Wang, shared, “This product was inspired by members of our community, who have told us that there are times they want to share more than just one moment from a memorable experience in their feed. The ability to upload multiple photos and videos within one post not only adds depth to those moments, but it also complements other products within the app, such as stories, in a way that makes it easier than ever to share your highlights and everything in between on Instagram.”
Responses to the update have been varied. While some users have welcomed the change with open arms, many others have argued this update is fundamentally at odds with one of the network’s defining characteristics – not unlike Twitter’s 140-character limit, only for photography. We can’t help but be reminded of Facebook’s Album feature…perhaps for good reason, given that Facebook owns Instagram. The good news: if you aren’t a fan of the update, nothing is to say you have to jump on the multi-photo bandwagon, or even click those four blue dots to expand your follower’s photos for that matter!
Perhaps what will be most interesting is how brands and influencers will (or won’t) take advantage of this feature. The slideshow tool could provide an excellent and visual way to showcase a product in a new and extensive way. If there ever was a time to get creative, it’s now!
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