Picture-sharing network Instagram has introduced a new feature, called Instagram Stories, which will allow users to post pictures and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
If that sounds familiar, it is because the same feature already exists on rival social network, Snapchat, called Snapchat Stories.
Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom admitted to a room of journalists when the product was launched yesterday in the US, that Snapchat deserves all the credit, as reported by TechCrunch.
He said sometimes tech companies are innovators and sometimes firms adopt others' formats and put their own spin on it.
Instagram Stories allows users to share multiple pictures and videos that will appear, to their followers, in a bar at the top of the app. Users can use text or drawing tools to add context to the media.
Users click on profiles in the bar to view the photos and video in slideshow format. All comments on Instagram Stories will be sent to the creator privately.
Instagram Stories differentiates from Snapchat's version by allowing users to hide their whole stories from certain followers.
Instagram also does not offer face-altering filters, although this may change, as parent company Facebook acquired face-swapping app MSQRD in March.
The feature will begin rolling out globally this week on Android and iOS.
Instagram recently reached more than 500 million monthly active users, with over 300 million visiting the app daily. Meanwhile, Snapchat has said it has more than 100 million active users.
Users took to Twitter to voice their concerns about one social network copying another.
Miss A tweeted: "Dear Instagram, we love you for who you are. We do love Snapchat but it doesn't mean we love you any less. Please don't change."
John Cris Cabugnao tweeted: "So Instagram have added a new Stories feature like on Snapchat. Good to see Instagram is really pushing out the boat on originality."
Sentletse said: "Instagram has effectively cannibalised Snapchat with one swift update."
Others came out in support of the update.
Aaron Marshall tweeted: "I love Snapchat, but I'm feeling mental relief knowing I don't have to use it anymore. Instagram Stories is a huge upgrade."
Bryan Lanning said: "Been posting a ton to my Instagram story. I think I like it more than Snapchat. Seems easier."
Share