Instagram has unveiled two new ways to explore the search option using hashtag stories and location stories. Instagram users can see what is happening around them and find stories that they can relate to. Users can search for hashtag or location and they will be able to see the story ring at the top of Explore. In location stories, users can see the stories happening near them. The stories are showcased from people who have used location stickers on the stories.
Apart from what is happening around, a user can also search for a location around the world to explore through a story for that place at the top of the page. Instagram has unveiled hashtag stories on Explore that allows users to find stories related to hashtags and their interests. When a user looks for a hashtag, they will see a story ring placed at the top of the page that is filled with stories related to the hashtag. If a user wants to be a part of the larger story, they can add a hashtag or location sticker. When a story is added, the user will see a line at the top of their stories viewer list indicating how many people viewed it in the larger story. However, many would want to use the hashtag or location sticker but don’t wish their stories to appear on the Explore tab, all they have to do is tap the X on the stories list.
“From discovering new parts of your own city to jogging alongside the #fromwhereirun community all around the world, location and hashtag stories help you share these experiences as they unfold,” Instagram states on the official blog. This new feature opens a brand new way for users who want to know more about what is happening around them, the weather at a particular location, live updates from an event at a location and more. Location stories are available as part of Instagram version 10.22 on Google Play for Android and the Apple App Store for iOS. Instagram has announced that hashtag stories will be rolling out over the coming weeks.