(photo via techcrunch.com)

Instagram recently announced its upcoming release of the new comment control filter in their attempt to stop internet trolls and spammers.

 

However, the platform surprised us all with its latest update.

 

Yesterday, many IG users logged into their accounts to see.... Snapchat?! Well not exactly Snapchat but Instagram has “borrowed” one of the main things that make Snapchat what it is, it’s story feature. You can now create and stream stories on Instagram. It basically works the exact same way as Snapchat. You can record videos or upload photos to add to your story, and your followers will have access to your stories until they are deleted after 24-hours. You can even choose who get to view your stories.

The new IG feature still has a few bugs to work out, like adding more creative filters, if you’re going to be Snapchat you might as well go full throttle. Although IG has jacked Snapchat’s key ingredient, Snapchat is still undefeated when it comes to filters. But IG does offer better quality videos, which is a hit for those who are into visual content.

Many users took the time to express their thoughts and opinions on the recent Instagram add-on via the story feature and it was pretty entertaining to watch. Some users expressed their excitement with not having to ever create a Snapchat account now, while others used the opportunity to actually promote their Snapchat accounts, then you have those who were just completely weirded out by the whole experience.

The CEO of Instagram Kevin Systrom, isn’t trying to hide the fact that he took Snapchat’s whole concept to IG either:


“When you are an innovator, that’s awesome. Just like Instagram deserves all the credit for bringing filters to the forefront. This isn’t about who invented something. This is about a format, and how you take it to a network and put your own spin on it.

Facebook invented feed, LinkedIn took on feed, Twitter took on feed, Instagram took on feed, and they all feel very different now and they serve very different purposes. But no one looks down at someone for adopting something that is so obviously great for presenting a certain type of information.

Innovation happens in the Valley, and people invent formats, and that’s great.” -Systrom


Is this just a case of friendly competition or does this mean war between the two social media entities? Systrom saw IG losing its “glow” and decided a change was in order, and that change just so happened to be a new Snapchat feature.

With all things, pros and cons are inevitable. This new IG Snapchat feature can end up being pretty annoying, or extremely useful, guess it’s all in how you decide to use it. For the entrepreneurs, or those using IG for business purposes, this is just another way to increase engagement with followers. Did we mention, you can also see everyone who views your stories, which is always a fun thing right?

Social media has once again figured out yet another way to invade our lives and take up all our time. Instagram has obviously made a huge move into Snapchat’s territory. Snapchat, your move.

 

written by Chandra Meadows of POP ATL