Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, offering users an engaging way to share photos, videos, and stories. One feature that stands out on Instagram is the set of circular buttons that appear at the top of a user’s profile and on their home screen. But what exactly are these circle buttons called, and what purpose do they serve?
Understanding Instagram’s Circular Buttons
The circular buttons you see on Instagram are referred to as Story Highlights and Instagram Story Bubbles. These serve different functions but are both essential aspects of the Instagram experience.
1. Instagram Story Bubbles
When you open Instagram, at the top of your feed, you will see a row of circles containing profile pictures of people you follow. These are Instagram Story Bubbles. Tapping on one of these circles will allow you to view that person’s latest Instagram Story.
Instagram Stories are short-lived posts—images or videos—that disappear after 24 hours. These Stories allow users to share glimpses of their daily lives without making permanent posts on their profiles. The circular format helps indicate their temporary nature while making them easily accessible.
2. Instagram Story Highlights
On a user’s profile, you will also notice similar circular buttons appearing below their bio. These are called Story Highlights, and unlike regular Story Bubbles, they do not disappear after 24 hours.
Instagram introduced Story Highlights as a way to let users save and showcase their best Stories. These Highlights allow people to categorize content into specific topics, making it easier for followers to revisit Stories that the user wants to be seen beyond the original 24-hour window.
Key Differences Between Story Highlights and Story Bubbles
Although both types of circular buttons serve to display Stories, they have significant differences:
- Visibility: Story Bubbles appear at the top of the home screen and disappear after 24 hours, while Story Highlights remain permanently on a user’s profile until they are manually removed.
- Purpose: Story Bubbles allow users to share real-time updates, while Story Highlights function as a way to organize and preserve important moments.
- Custom Titles: Users can add custom names to their Story Highlights, making them a useful tool for businesses and influencers to categorize their content effectively.
How to Use Instagram Story Highlights Effectively
Since Story Highlights remain on a user’s profile, they can be an excellent tool for showcasing important information, especially for brands and creators. Here are some ways to use Highlights effectively:
- Organize by Category: For businesses, creating categories like Products, Testimonials, About Us, and Behind the Scenes can help followers find relevant information quickly.
- Feature Important Content: Instagram Highlights can be used to showcase key moments, events, or product launches permanently.
- Use Eye-Catching Covers: Many users design custom highlight covers that match their Instagram branding, making their profiles visually appealing.
How to Add and Edit Story Highlights
Adding and editing Instagram Story Highlights is simple. Follow these steps:
Adding a Highlight:
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap the “New” circle under your bio.
- Select Stories from your archive that you want to include in the Highlight.
- Give your Highlight a name and choose a cover image.
- Tap “Done” to save it to your profile.
Editing and Removing a Highlight:
- To edit: Tap and hold the Highlight you want to modify, then select “Edit Highlight” to add or remove Stories.
- To delete: Hold down the Highlight and select “Delete Highlight” to remove it entirely from your profile.
Final Thoughts
The circular buttons on Instagram, whether they appear on the home screen as Story Bubbles or on a profile as Story Highlights, play a crucial role in the platform’s storytelling features. While Story Bubbles allow for real-time updates, Story Highlights enable users to showcase their most important content in a structured manner.
By using these features effectively, users can enhance engagement, organize content, and create an aesthetically pleasing and informative Instagram profile.
