Instagram is making a lot of changes lately.
In late December, Instagram Stories began allowing users to achieve their story content for later use. Now, the social media site known for super cute filtered snaps is unveiling an Instagram Story Font feature.
People pay attention to fonts
Now, this feature may not seem like that big of a deal, but think about this: How do you react when someone WRITES IN CAPS LOCK ALL THE TIME. Like REALLY.
Basically, if writing in caps lock can raise ire, than people will, without a doubt, have various feelings about various fonts.
“Compared with flashy animations and graphic filters, it can be easy to forget that something as seemingly basic as typeface really does make a huge difference,” Refinery29 wrote.
“Fonts have long affected the way messages are conveyed and perceived in realms beyond social media, from advertising to resume-writing. Some fonts look ridiculous when used in certain scenarios (you would never use Lucida Calligraphy to write a cover letter), while others, such as comic sans, are just universally mocked.”
What users think
The new update, Instagram Stories Type mode features four news fonts—strong, modern, neon, and typewriter.
Unsurprisingly, people were, overall, excited about the update.
For example, a Refinery29 article highlighted an exuberant tweet about the update from one Twitter user. User @nyaaaaaaa_nai rightly says that… “Instagram’s new font features make my fingerling look real aesthetic.”
The end of tone-deaf posts?
We truly hope that Jessica Hische’s hunch about Story Fonts is right. Hische, a professional type designer, told Refinery29 over email that type has always been a powerful way to communicate a message in the “correct tone.”
“You wouldn’t use the same type style to post about a death in your family as you would to post about an epic night of drinking for a friend’s thirtieth birthday,” Hische explained.
“‘Tone deaf’ posts and prompts on social media networks are a real issue, so anything that lets you share with the right voice is a step in the right direction.”
What this means for you
Any cam model could greatly benefit from using the Font mode. This is how we envision using the new fonts.
Strong
Use if you’re announcing something new, perhaps an appearance at a show or a new collaboration, use Strong.
Typewriter
Use if you’re writing about something serious, perhaps an important social or human rights issue, give Typewriter a try.
Neon
Neon is the ultimate sexy font. Use it if you’re announcing a new video for sale or upgrading services in some way.
Modern
Modern is general, all-purpose font that can be used for normal, everyday communication.
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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kansas. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.
Image via chris howell.
