Instagram has launched a new Snapchat-style feature that lets users share a series of moments and then customise them with text, drawings and emoji icons.
The ‘Instagram Stories’ feature even copies Snapchat’s self-destructing USP, with the created content dissapearing after 24 hours.
The Facebook-owned company said that users “don’t have to worry about overposting. Instead, users can share as much as you want throughout the day — with as much creativity as you want.”
View the promo video heree:
Introducing Instagram Stories from Instagram on Vimeo.
The new feature is very similar to Live Stories on Snapchat. Snapchat launched Live Stories in 2014.
Instagram users will be able to view a person’s “story” by clicking on their profile photo. Unlike normal Instagram posts, there are no likes or comments.
Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom told the Wall Street Journal that the new feature is designed to create “a place where you feel free to post whatever you want without the nagging fear of, did someone like that or not?”
Unlike regular posts, there are no likes or public comments, so if a friend reacts they will get a direct message.
Users will see stories from people you follow in a bar at the top of their feed.
When a friend posts an Instagram Story, his or her profile picture will get a coloured ring around it. To view it, users need to tap on the picture.
Read more about Instagram Stories on the official blog here.