Facebook is testing the ability to view Instagram stories directly from the news feed

Facebook already lets you crosspost your Instagram stories on its platform. Now it’s testing a new feature that lets you view Instagram stories directly through. As confusing as that sounds, it’s basically going to show whether you’re viewing an Instagram story or a Facebook story. Also, this feature will work according to your Instagram profile’s privacy settings.

Facebook stories are displayed on top of the News Feed. When you crosspost your Instagram stories on Facebook you see them as just stories on the platform. This test that was first spotted by The Verge shows Instagram stories circled in the app’s pink/orange colour, and Facebook stories circled in blue. It’s been confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson to Matt Navarra that this is a limited test for now. Based on user feedback Facebook will decide whether to roll it out for all.

Your Instagram stories on Facebook can be viewed only by your followers on Instagram. More specifically for your followers who have their Instagram account linked with Facebook and choose to turn on this viewing setting. Rest of your Facebook friends/contacts will not see your Instagram stories. Also, the view counts and story replies will all appear on Instagram. Even your Instagram username will appear as it is on Facebook.

The feature seems slightly confusing since you can already crosspost your Instagram stories on Facebook. And the same people who see it on Instagram will see it again on Facebook. It may help in keeping Instagram and Facebook stories different for those who prefer something like that. But it’s also clearly another way for Facebook to further merge its products. Facebook has already enabled Messenger on Instagram’s Direct, and it’s available to select users.