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Instagram launches a portrait mode and a new way to tag friends in Stories

Instagram launches a portrait mode and a new way to tag friends in Stories

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Minor changes for the app’s latest update

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Photo by James Bareham / The Verge

Instagram added a couple of new features today, and the biggest news is a portrait mode feature called Focus. The app also has a new way of mentioning other users in stories with a sticker.

Focus mode is basically Instagram’s take on the portrait mode that’s been popping up in every new smartphone. The company says Focus will be found under the record button next to the superzoom setting. “As soon as there’s someone in the shot, you’ll notice the person stays in focus while the background softly blurs,” Instagram said in the statement. “Simply tap to take a photo or tap and hold to record a video.”

Additionally, there’s a new way to mention another Instagram user on iOS. The “@mention” sticker is in the sticker tray. Select it, and find the user just like mentioning them in a photo caption.

Instagram says Focus is available on the iPhone 6S and up and select Android devices as part of an app update rolling out today.