Instagram Testing Allowing Users To Follow Hashtags

On Instagram you can follow other users and other users can follow you back. However it was recently discovered by Twitter user Pippa Akram (via TNW) that Instagram appears to be testing out a new feature that lets you follow hashtags instead. This means that whenever someone uses the hashtag that you follow, you will be able to see it.

This is actually a rather handy feature because if there are specific posts that you enjoy, like maybe posts about #sunrises or #puppies, then instead of following multiple individual Instagram accounts, you could just follow the hashtag and get everything related to it. Of course it is possible that you might end up with posts that are not related as sometimes people hashtag posts wrongly (or on purpose), but either way it should make discovery of new photos and accounts easier.

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Ok this is new. What does this do @SimonSocialMM @BizPaul @NatalieTFG any ideas? I’ve followed 2 but can’t find what that means!! pic.twitter.com/LlCBk4Wmfv

— Pippa Akram (@Social_Pip) November 9, 2017

To prevent your feed from being overwhelmed, it appears that for now the posts will be limited to top post and recent stories. That being said it appears that Instagram is testing out the feature with a limited audience as not everyone can see it on their account, so if you don’t see it, don’t fret as you’re not alone.

It is unclear if Instagram plans on rolling out the feature for everyone at a later date, and given that the company does test out features from time to time, some of which never see the light of day, we guess we’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime what do you guys think of the feature? Yay or nay?

Tyler Lee
Categories: General, Photo-Video
Tags: Apps, Instagram