So in a couple of hours you’ll probably get the new Instagram update that basically functions as your alternate snapchat!
Recently, Instagram launched a new feature called Stories that allows you to post photos and videos that appear for only 24 hours kind of like Snapchat. So here’s a sneak peak at the new features of this seemingly “new” innovation.

 

1. Stories on top

Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 10.20.35 AM

So, unlike Snapchat that has stories displayed in a long vertical list. Instagram has the stories appear in a horizontal row over the Instagram feed. The stories displayed on top will be anyone you follow, from friends to celebrities to businesses. Everyone you follow will be on there.

 

 

2. Colorful pens!

Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 10.20.47 AM Much like Snapchat, you have the ability to draw and add emojis to your snaps. But Instagram allows you to alter the size of your brush and pick from 3 different brush types: standard, neon and transparent highlighter. Unfortunately, you don’t have geo-location filters like snapchat or face masks and filters that Snapchat is obviously known for.

3. Other cool features 
Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 10.20.42 AM

And Instagram stories are not limited to photos, but work with videos as well and come with a host of other cool things you can do. Where viewing slideshows of others people’s stories is a lot more seamless and user-friendly, you can hold the screen to pause a slideshow, or tap the left side to go back a slide, as opposed to Snapchat’s that are constantly progressing and don’t allow you to pause or go back and see that photo you missed while scrolling.ezgif.com-optimize

Verdict: Instagram stories seem pretty interesting. But whether or not it can beat snapchat still remain to be seen!