14 DAY TRIAL // Instagram is one of the biggest social networks out there, and in a world where all important and even non-important events in one's life get a post online, big social networks compete fiercely to attract users. In an attempt to prevent users from switching to another social network, Instagram seems to have copied a major feature from Snapchat.
The new feature was introduced to Instagram users just recently, and it allows users to share moments of their day, not just pictures that they keep on their profile. Instagram Stories allows users to share multiple photos and videos, as they are shown in a slideshow format called a story.
Instagram justifies the need for the Stories section by saying that it's a tool that would prevent users from overposting, as they can share as much as they want. In addition, the Stories section comes with text and drawing tools for enhancing images. Photos and images disappear after 24 hours of posting, just like on Snapchat. Moreover, they aren't features on the user's profile grid or feed.
Stories from followed users are displayed at the top of the feed, friends profiles are posted first, followed by popular accounts. In addition, a colorful ring will be placed around their profile photo.
Instagram Stories shows users who has seen their photos and videos
Users simply need to tap on a profile photo in order to view a story, and they can tap to go back and forward. A screen swipe would jump to the next user story, and the feature comes with the option to send private messages through Instagram Direct. Instagram Stories doesn't incorporate likes or public comments.
Instagram Stories follows the same privacy settings that are set on the user's account, which means that users can set stories to be visible only to their followers. In addition, users can hide stories from anyone on the network, and they also have access to a feature that shows who has seen their photos and videos. A certain part of the story can be set to be featured on the user's profile.
Instagram has made the new feature available on its app for iOS and Android.
