The phrase refers to the sequential presentation of content within a user’s Instagram Story. When viewing an Instagram Story, a “next” indicator, either a visual cue or a swipe gesture prompt, signals that additional content is available from the same user. Each piece of content, whether a photo or video, forms a segment, and the “next” prompt directs viewers to the subsequent segment in that sequence. For example, a user posting about a day at the beach might divide the content into several segments, each showcasing different aspects of the experience. The “next” function allows for the seamless progression through these segments, providing a complete narrative.
The chronological arrangement of shared moments provides a platform for users to tell stories and share experiences in a more structured manner than a single post allows. This sequential feature cultivates a more immersive experience, fostering engagement and encouraging prolonged attention. Historically, it expanded the capabilities of social media storytelling, shifting from static images to dynamic, multi-faceted narratives, which resulted in users and businesses creating longer form and more frequent content.