Instagram started testing its new Archive feature with select users last month, and launched it on Tuesday, June 13 as part of its latest update — v10.21 — for iOS and Android users.
“Your profile is a representation of who you are and evolves with you over time,” Instagram said in a post introducing the new feature. “With Archive, you now have more flexibility to shape your profile while still preserving moments that matter.”
So how do you use it? Well, to archive a photo or video that you’ve already posted, first tap “…” at the top of the screen and then select “Archive” from the list of options that appear. To view your archived content, tap the new circular arrow symbol on the top right of your profile page. Should you ever decide to return a post to your public collection, simply tap the “…” again, and select “show on profile” from the list. It will immediately return to its original spot on your public profile page, there for all to see.
Oh, and archiving a photo or video retains all the likes and comments, so there’ll still be there if you decide to repost.
It seems Instagram is hoping the new feature will encourage its users to think twice about deleting content, though that may prove tough with those — particularly teens — already in the habit of keeping only their favorite 25 images on their profile, and otherwise deleting content as and when required.
If users transfer their images to their Archive rather than delete them, they’ll probably dive into that Archive from time to time, increasing the amount of time they spend interacting with Instagram, which will of course please advertisers who use the platform.
