Instagram has announced two new updates to its Stories feature, which now allows users of the image-sharing app to search for content based on their location and popular hashtags.
 
In a blog, Instagram explained that these are "two new ways to discover the world around you", with the new features set to have benefits for both consumers and brands.
 
For consumers, searching for content using hashtags will help to generate more Stories results that they are interested in, while adding a location sticker to their own content will enable them to interact with others in their community.
 
Brands, meanwhile, will be able to use the new features to better target their digital adverts towards their intended market. For example, by using a trending hashtag, they can increase the chances of their content being seen amid other popular Stories.
 
What's more, by adding a location sticker to their visual content, they can reach out to consumers in their local area or in a particular market that they want to attract.