Snapchat has some competition! Instagram is introducing Instagram Stories, a new feature that allows users to post photos that vanish after 24 hours and won’t appear on their profile grid or feed.
Like Snapchat's popular feature, an Instagram story can be brought to life with text and drawing tools.
Here's everything you need to know about the new feature...
How it works
You’ll be able to view stories from people you follow in a bar at the top of your feed. When they have posted a new story, their profile photo will have a colourful ring around it. You can also view someone's story by simply tapping on their profile picture.
Unlike normal Instagram posts, there are no public comments but you can tap and send a private message to that person on Instagram Direct.
What about Privacy Settings?
If your account is set to private, only your followers can view your story. You can also hide your story from anyone you don't want to see it, even if they follow you.
Users can also see who has viewed their own story by swiping up. You can also choose to feature a particular part of your story by posting it on your profile.
When can I use it?
Instagram Stories will be rolled out globally over the next few weeks on iOS and Android.
In other news, more than one hundred new and redesigned emoji characters are on the way. Apple's new emoji include new female athletes and professionals, a new rainbow flag and more family options.
Read more on that story here.
