Instagram update brings Boomerang mode, Mentions, Links, more

Instagram users will be pleased to know that new features are coming their way thanks to the new update that has just been released on both the Android and iOS platforms. After releasing “Stories” several months ago, Instagram announced more tools for those who use this particular feature.

Boomerang and mentions are two new features that are meant to make your story in Instagram more fun. The former allows you to take a Boomerang inside Instagram by simply swiping right from the feed to open the stories camera.

The developers added a new format picker under the record button, which should allow you to select the “Boomerang” mode. After selecting the new mode, you can tap record and the camera will stitch together a burst of photos into a mini video that plays forward and backward, much like an improved GIF.

With mentions, you can now share moments with those who like by mentioning them in the story. It works just like it does with the captions and comments, so there's nothing else to add here.

It's worth mentioning though that you will receive notifications in Direct whenever you are mentioned in someone else's story. However, is someone that you don't follow mentions you, then the notifications will go in the message requests.

The new Instagram update also adds “See More” links at the bottom of some stories, so if you want to browse more stories you can tap on those links. According to Instagram, “this is a test that lets verified accounts add links so it's easy to learn more.”

Instagram confirmed that the update for its application is available on the App Store, Google Play store, and Windows Store (for Windows 10).