Social-Media
New research lets certain users open Instagram stories directly on Facebook.
Any Facebook users have recently found that they can watch their Instagram stories right from inside the main social network app. Facebook has long allowed (and encouraged) cross-posting of Instagram stories to Facebook to help create awareness with its own version of the format — but a recent test takes Instagram stories to Facebook with direct viewing.
You'll know whether you're looking at a Facebook or Instagram story depending on the color the profile photo encircles; Facebook stories have blue rings, and Instagram has the same pink / orange hue of the app symbol.
Facebook is really explicit that nothing in who can see your stories is changing; just your Instagram followers that have connected their Facebook account — and who can now see your stories — will see a new Facebook choice. And even then, they have to opt out of the settings. "People on Facebook who don't follow you on Instagram can't see your post," says a screenshot of the site.
Matt Navarra clarified with a Facebook spokesman that this was a "limited pilot" and that the company would listen to reviews.
The spokesperson noted that the feature "respects all existing privacy settings" and said that users of Instagram have the option to keep their stories off Facebook if they wish.
This move is yet another step in Facebook's effort to bring its platforms closer together. Facebook started integrating Facebook Messenger and Instagram chat last month; WhatsApp would soon become part of this single messaging platform as well.
