Instagram Stories on desktop get a new layout

Instagram Stories have a better viewing interface now on its desktop version.

Instagram desktop (Pixabay)

Instagram started testing a new layout for Stories on its desktop version earlier this month. It has now released the new update giving Instagram Stories a new look on desktop.

The new layout for Instagram Stories on desktop is available to all users now, according to The Verge. It's currently visible to us, and in the new layout Stories open up to a bigger interface on desktop. You can tap on one Instagram Story to launch the new layout. To view the next Story from the same account you can tap on the next and previous buttons. To skip to the next Story simply tap on the profile picture of the account you wish to view. You can also close the Stories screen, and go back to checking out the feed.

Instagram shows five Stories at once on desktop. As you keep going ahead the carousel will change with the next accounts that follow. The new update for Instagram on desktop is a small one but it gives users more control over viewing Stories. Instagram's desktop version also lets users mute, reply, and report Stories.

Instagram on desktop has so far been more of a viewing-only platform. Everything else takes place on Instagram's mobile apps. Instagram has been adding new features to its desktop but posting Stories and photos or videos are still limited to its mobile apps. It has in the past year allowed users to reply to DMs, while the ability to like and comment on posts have been there. Instagram on desktop also lets you search for accounts, and follow them.