Facebook is testing a new feature that allows users to view Instagram Stories from the main Facebook app.
The new feature, which was spotted by Twitter user @ec_wife and confirmed by Facebook to social media consultant Matt Navarra, is “a limited test for now.” While Facebook has allowed users to cross-post their Instagram Story to Facebook for some time, the latest test works a bit differently.
Facebook is being very clear that nothing about who can see your stories is changing; only your Instagram followers who’ve linked their Facebook account and who can already see your stories will see the new option within Facebook. And even then, they’ve got to opt into the setting. “People on Facebook who don’t follow you on Instagram can’t see your story,” a screenshot about the feature says.
Matt Navarra confirmed with a Facebook spokesperson that this is a “limited test,” and that the company will be listening to feedback. The spokesperson noted that the feature “respects all existing privacy settings” and said Instagram users have the option to keep their stories off of Facebook altogether if they wish.
The test comes as Facebook continues to blur the lines between Instagram and its main social network. The company is also working on merging messaging between the two apps, which is all part of a larger plan to link its “family of apps” more closely together.
