Instagram could soon let you follow hashtags

Instagram is testing an option that can allow users follow hashtags, not just people. The Next Web reports that the hashtag follow functionality was first spotted by @Social_pip, who shared a screenshot of the discovery.

Ok this is new. What does this do @SimonSocialMM @BizPaul @NatalieTFG any ideas? I've followed 2 but can't find what that means!! pic.twitter.com/LlCBk4Wmfv

— Pippa Akram (@Social_Pip) November 9, 2017

As shown in the screenshot, when you click on hashtags, there's an option to follow it to "see top posts and recent stories." Currently, Instagram only lets you follow people. It's a system that works, but doesn't help you stay on top of trending hashtags or custom-made hashtags.

The ability to follow hashtags on Instagram looks like it would work the same way as on micro-blogging site Twitter. It would also change the way we use Instagram. Users would be able to keep better tabs on topics that matter to them and it could also be very useful for keeping tabs on breaking news.

The feature test, however, appears to be limited to very few users at this point, and there’s no official word yet from Instagram regarding if or when we’ll be seeing it rolled out to the general public.