Instagram adds the ability to publicly comment on Stories

A new update to Instagram now allows users to comment on their friends’ Stories. It is just like leaving a comment on a regular post but similar to Stories, it will be fleeting as the content expires in 24 hours.

This addition enables a more public way to respond to Stories. Whereas the feature is either limited only to those who follow back each other, set to everyone, or disabled entirely.

While that is the case, as long as the Story is set to public and Story Comments is not disabled, everyone will be able to view the comments.

To start commenting on people’s stories, and assuming you follow back each other, you should see a comment icon on the left alongside the usual “Send a message” textbox. Tap on the icon, simply type in your message and you’re done!

You may watch Instagram’s Reel here 32 to get the gist.

Fortunately, for those who wants to set boundaries, they could disable the feature if they wanted to. The setting is located in the Comments tab > Story Comments.

Previously, a direct message is sent even when just reacting using an emoji to a Story and is visible only to the person who posted the Story.

With the feature being relatively new, it is uncertain whether Story Comments will remain after being archived.