Instagram has introduced a new feature that allows users to comment on Stories. The feature, called “Comment in Stories”, was announced during the launch of Creator Lab in India and has since been confirmed through a post on Instagram’s official account. This new feature offers Instagram users another way to connect and interact with creators and other profiles. However, unlike Story replies which send direct messages (DMs), comments will be visible to other followers. Instagram offers some privacy settings for this feature.

Speaking to The Verge, Instagram spokesperson Emily Norfolk stressed that the new comments feature is more flexible than relying on DMs, as it gives users the option to turn comments on or off for any Story they share. Comments on Stories will be visible to select users, specifically followers of the poster.

However, the ability to leave comments comes with a problem. Only people who are mutual followers — that is, people whom the user follows — will have the option to comment. This limitation is intended to promote a safer, more personal space for conversation, reducing the likelihood of trolling or unwanted comments.

Notably, like the time limit on Stories, comments on Stories will be time-sensitive, lasting for 24 hours, just like the Story itself. But if a Story is saved as a Highlight on a user’s profile, the comments will be saved and followers will be able to add more comments, allowing the conversation to continue beyond the Story’s normal lifespan.

Additionally, for greater privacy, Instagram is also offering the option to disable comments on Stories on a per-post basis. This feature allows users to maintain control over their content and the kind of interactions they want to allow with their followers.

The introduction of comments on Stories is part of Instagram’s broader strategy to increase engagement on key surfaces like Reels and Stories. Over the past few months, the platform has steadily introduced features that make the platform more interactive, including new text fonts, effects, and animations for Reels and Stories, as well as a new in-app text editor that eliminates the need for external editing apps. In addition, Instagram recently added the ability for users to post a carousel of up to 20 images and videos, as well as the option to add a song to their profile, which appears in the bio section.

Previously, Instagram also introduced disappearing “notes” on grid posts and reels, aimed at showing how friends are engaging with the content. These notes, which expire after three days, are another step towards making user interactions more visible and impactful.