Instagram’s testing out another collage feature, with some users seeing a new prompt to post a collage of images from their camera roll to Stories, as another means to create more engaging Stories content.
As you can see in this example, shared by social media expert Matt Navarra, Instagram’s now rolling out a new Collage option for Stories, which then enables you to select multiple images from your camera roll to create a collage image.
Which is not entirely new.
Instagram has enabled users to create different kinds of collages within Stories for some time, via its Layout option, though that’s more rigid, in that the actual format of the collage is defined by the Layout you choose. This updated version is a bit more free form, which could enable you to create all new kinds of visual designs with your images.
Instagram’s been experimenting with collages for some time, with the platform also testing out collages within group chats.
Which looks pretty much the same as this new Stories option, albeit in a different element.
And really, Instagram’s probably been working on collages ever since late 2022, when Pinterest’s “Shuffles” app started gaining traction.
Shuffles enables you to create artistic collages from Pinterest images, and the app quickly generated interest with various audiences.
As per Meta’s now familiar strategy, if any new social app function gains any traction, it copies it, in order to stem the potential flow of users away from its own apps.
And hate it that approach you like, it does actually work. Facebook and Instagram remain the two most used social apps (unless your count YouTube, which is not primarily used for social interaction), with billions of users. Instagram’s replication of Stories from Snapchat saw Stories become one of the most used functions of IG, as Snapchat’s growth stalled, while stealing TikTok’s format for Reels has also likely limited TikTok’s growth.
I would argue that TikTok is a lot better at short-form video than Instagram is, but some people just don’t want to set up new profiles and learn new apps. So if you can give them a similar experience in the platforms that they already know, the evidence suggests that a significant portion will stick around instead.
Collages haven’t become the next big thing, but there is a niche interest, while Pinterest has since adapted the format to include shoppable product pins within these creations.
Theoretically, Instagram could do the same, which might eventually make this a new consideration for brands as well.
But right now, it’s probably being pushed out just in time for you to post collages of the year that was on New Year’s.
We’ve asked Instagram for more information on the rollout of Stories collages, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.
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