Unlike regular posts, which include only simple filters, Stories boast all kinds of creative elements, including: These posts, which could be a mix of photos and short-form videos, are presented in a slideshow format and accessible through the top of the home feed.Īnd when we say customizable, we mean customizable. Many people use Instagram exclusively for creating and viewing Stories, which are customizable posts that only last 24 hours. By linking accounts, you can cross-post to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. Clicking on a location tag brings you to its corresponding location feed, where you can peruse other public posts.Īlso post to other social accounts: Instagram also gives you the ability to publish a post to other social accounts at the same time. (This is separate from mentioning them in your caption.)Īdd location: Location tags lets others know where your photo was taken. When you tag someone, they'll get a notification in their activity feed. Tag people: Instagram allows you to 'tag' someone in your photos. Keep in mind you can edit captions at any time - or delete posts. Just like in comments, you can also mention friends by typing in front of their username.

Once your post is to your liking and ready to go, there are a few more options you can do before you hit the share button:Īdd a caption: Captions are always a good idea. You can select from in-app filters to alter your photos. It's also where you can access your settings. Profile: This icon navigates to your profile page that shows your bio and posts. Shop: Here, you'll find a collection of Instagram posts that includes items you can buy through the app. You can scroll to the next video by swiping your finger from the bottom of the screen to the top. Reels: This tab includes short videos (up to 90 seconds long) from users you may or may not be following. Search and explore: The magnifying glass icon takes you to the Explore page, where you can search and browse content from accounts you don't follow but may be interested in. Home: Your main feed where you can scroll through photos and videos posted by your friends. Here's what each button does, from left to right: Every time you open the app, you'll be met with a main feed of recent posts from the accounts you follow.Īt the bottom is a menu bar, which is accessible anywhere you are in the app. At its core, Instagram is a social media platform, and a highly visual one at that.

Instagram app