Instagram is testing a new Collage option for Stories, giving users another creative tool to share engaging visual content. This feature allows users to select multiple photos from their camera roll to create free-form collages directly within the app.
As shared by social media expert Matt Navarra, the new Collage tool is more flexible compared to Instagram’s existing Layout option, which provides preset templates for creating collages. The updated feature offers greater freedom in designing unique visual arrangements, enhancing creativity for users and brands alike.
This isn’t Instagram’s first experiment with collages. The platform has tested similar features in group chats and has likely been refining this concept since Pinterest’s Shuffles app gained popularity in late 2022. Shuffles allows users to create artistic collages from Pinterest images and saw a spike in interest across various demographics.
Instagram’s move to introduce its own version follows Meta’s familiar strategy: if a competitor’s feature gains traction, replicate it. This approach has been successful in the past. For example, Instagram Stories, inspired by Snapchat, became a widely used feature that slowed Snapchat’s growth. Similarly, Reels, Instagram’s take on TikTok’s short-form videos, has kept users engaged without requiring them to switch platforms.
While collages haven’t reached viral status, they cater to a niche audience and hold potential for brand engagement. Pinterest has already integrated shoppable product pins into its collages, hinting at a future where Instagram could adopt a similar strategy, providing new opportunities for businesses.
For now, the timing of this rollout aligns perfectly with the end-of-year content trends, allowing users to create and share creative “year in review” collages.
This feature is currently being tested with select users, and Instagram has yet to announce a broader rollout. Stay tuned for updates as this feature develops.
By introducing tools like Collage, Instagram continues to enhance its Stories experience, offering users more dynamic ways to express themselves and keep their audiences engaged.
