It took them a while, but it seems that finally Instagram is acknowledging that Snapchat is a pretty huge threat to them. And they’re doing it by sort-of imitating one of the things that the latter has done successfully, with their Snapchat Stories. It seems like Facebook’s acquired photo sharing app isn’t shy about it, as evidenced by what they’re calling the new feature: Instagram Stories. It is also a photo and video sharing format wherein it will only last 24 hours and then disappear into the world wide ether.
Basically, what Instagram Stories does is allow you to compile photos and videos of something you did on that specific day, like go to a party, watch a concert, go skydiving, or even just go shopping, put them together, add text and handwritten words in one post that will disappear after 24 hours. Yes, basically it is the same as Snapchat Stories but if you use Instagram more, then this should be a good feature for you to have. Even the chief exec of Instagram, Kevin System, referenced Snapchat without actually mentioning them, saying “other companies deserve all the credit” for the idea of ephemeral photos and videos.
You’ll be able to see your contacts that have Stories at the top of your Instagram feed, with a colorful ring around them if there’s something new there. To view the Stories, just tap on their profile picture and you can swipe left or right to go back and forth on the various stories from your contacts. However, you won’t be able to comment on them. If you want to react or say something, you can send them a private message.
If your account is private, then of course only your friends will be able to see your story. You can even hide the story from specific contacts, even if they already follow you. You can also see who’s already seen your story by swiping up. And if you want to feature a certain part of your story, you can post that part on your profile. This new feature will start rolling out globally over the next few weeks.
SOURCE: Instagram
