Instagram Testing Tap-to-Advance Instead of Scrolling Through Posts

Instagram is testing a new way of navigating through posts – by tapping through them, just like users tap through Stories.

The new navigation system sees users tapping the sides of the screen instead of scrolling up and down with their finger to advance forwards and backwards between posts, which can get tiring after a while.

By eliminating thumb swipe fatigue and ensuring the full post always appears on screen, testing tap-to-advance in Explore could get us spending more time on Instagram https://t.co/l2yIHAHUkC pic.twitter.com/Mr0khQQATH — Josh Constine (@JoshConstine) October 11, 2018

It also means users always see media full-screen rather than having to adjust the view with a finger scroll to see the entire post. It's a navigation method that was first used by Snapchat, a platform Instagram isn't shy of taking cues from.

Instagram confirmed to TechCrunch that it is testing tap-to-advance in the Explore tab with a small number of users, who were presented with a pop-up in the app explaining the change.

As for whether the system could be adopted for the main feed, a spokesperson for Instagram said that wasn't something it was actively thinking about at the moment.

Tag: Instagram

Top Rated Comments

arkhanjel

85 months ago

Meh. What would go over way better with users is making the feed chronological again.

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

MrJeffreyGee

Sooo instead of thumb fatigue... You get tap fatigue. Now if only they come up with something for ad fatigue.

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Goldex

Can't they make the full post stick 'magnetically'?

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

HacKage

It also means that along with real posts always taking up the full screen, adverts will also take up the full screen and wont be able to just be quickly flicked past when you work out that they are placed every 5 posts.

mollyc

As a photographer, I engage with a lot of people on IG - it's the perfect platform for photographers. I never watch the IG TV and only rarely the stories (and then only select accounts). I miss the days where my IG feed was just a collection of lovely photos and inspiration.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Wanted797

I’ve thought this. Can’t remember what the app was that I used with it.

This way however means the can insert a nice full screen or half screen ad ever 20 “page turns”.

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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