The latest update of Instagram has introduced more than what users are accustomed to. Similar to the update that made Instagram comparable to Vine with its video feature, Snapchat has now come into the picture as well.
As of Aug. 2, you can now have “stories” on Instagram that allow you to share your all-day moments. Each video uploaded will be formatted into a slideshow on your profile.
According to Instagram’s official blog, “with Instagram Stories, you don’t have to worry about over posting. Instead, you can share as much as you want throughout the day — with as much creativity as you want. You can bring your story to life in new ways with text and drawing tools. The photos and videos will disappear after 24 hours and won’t appear on your profile grid or in feed.”
To view the stories of the people and pages you follow, all you have to do is tap on their profile picture in the new menu at the top of the home page or on their profile picture while on their profile page. As for privacy for your own stories, the privacy setting on your profile determines that; however, you can now pick and choose who you want to see your story by selecting the ellipsis that appears on the bottom right when you have your story open and selecting “story settings.” From this menu, you can hide the story from select followers and also determine who is allowed to reply to your story.
Like Snapchat, you can also view a list of people who watched your story by swiping up. There are, of course, filters and creative opportunities for the artist in all of us.
This update is one of the few Instagram has had since its opening in 2010 along with recording videos, video views taking the place of likes, 60-second videos and the long-awaited “add account” feature business owners, bloggers and everybody in between had been waiting for.
Instagram is known for being a place to share moments you want to remember, and this update is just another step in that direction.