Facebook is testing a new feature that lets users view Instagram stories through Facebook app.
Only followers are able to see stories and users will be able to reply though Instagram.
Instagram already has the option of cross-posting between platforms.
Facebook is testing a new feature that will give users the option to view Instagram stories directly through Facebook app. Until now Facebook has allowed cross-posting of Instagram stories on both platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The new feature being tested, gives followers a choice to view Instagram stories exclusively through Facebook.
As per screenshots shared by social media expert Matt Navarra, select Facebook users are getting a notification giving users the option to let their followers view their Instagram stories though Facebook. Instagram users would have to link their social media accounts to allow this feature to function.
“We’re testing a new feature that gives people the option to view stories from Instagram on Facebook,” a Facebook spokesperson confirmed to Matt Navarra. He further noted that the feature respects all existing privacy settings and said Instagram users have the option to keep their stories off of Facebook altogether if they wish.
The screenshot shared reads that there will be no change in security and privacy as the same people who viewed stories on Instagram will be able to view it on Facebook. The user name will also remain the same. Besides, Instagram users will have the option to check their views and reply to their followers through Instagram.
People must have their accounts linked and actively opt for sharing their Instagram stories on Facebook. It is a limited test for now. Instagram users will be able to see the people who viewed their stories and replied to them on Facebook within the Instagram app.
People on Facebook who don’t follow you on Instagram can’t see your story,” a screenshot about the feature says.
Last month, Facebook started merging Instagram and Messenger chats. The feature allows Instagram and Messenger users chat across both platforms. The updated feature which is a cross-chat of sorts will be available to Android and iOS users soon, as per The Verge.
Instagram offers users an option to merge its chat feature or direct messages with Facebook messenger so that Instagram users can send messages across the Facebook Messenger platform.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had announced the integration of the social network’s messaging services including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger, a one cross chat functionality app by 2020. He had emphasised the use of end-to-end encrypted services with the integration of these apps, over privacy concerns. Facebook bought Instagram in 2012 for $1billion and WhatsApp in 2014 for $ 19 billion.
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