Instagram Stories is a Snapchat-style feature with disappearing photos and video

The feature is similar to Snapchat's Snapstories, which shows photos and videos that expire in 24 hours.

If your social media life wasn't confusing enough, Instagram has essentially stolen "Stories" from Snapchat.

Today you've probably seen your algorithm spit up the announcement that Instagram is introducing a new feature that allows you to make slideshows of images and videos. Each video uploaded will be formatted into a slideshow on your profile. Users can add text and doodles.

The new feature, like Snapchat, does not give users the option to like or comment publically on the posts.

Users can also hide their Newsfeed from any particular user, providing more control over what they share. Also like Snapchat, Instagram users can get creative by adding text or drawings.

Anything you post in your story will disappear after 24 hours, unless you download it or take a screenshot of it. You can also choose to "upgrade" a story post to your main Instagram feed before it expires.

Viewing the story is as simple as tapping on their profile photo, with navigating backwards or forwards done with a tap - with swiping allowing you to just to the next person. Tap once to go back and forward or swipe to jump to another user's story. With Stories, there is no capability to like or comment, instead you can send a private message direct to whoever you want. If you set your account to private, your story is visible only to your followers.

Usual privacy settings apply to stories so users can ensure only their followers see content if they wish.

If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then Instagram, the photo-sharing app owned by Facebook, is absolutely fawning over rival Snapchat, whose ephemeral photo and video sharing service has grown into a rival for both companies.

According to Instagram's official blog, "with Instagram Stories, you don't have to worry about over posting".

And voila! You're on your way to becoming an Instagram Story star.

If you were to look at the above screenshot above, you would be inclined to assume that it's from Snapchat, the mobile photo app that lets you share photos with your friends.

Source: Instagram Stories is a Snapchat-style feature with disappearing photos and video