Instagram has announced its latest feature, 'Instagram Stories', today – to put it simply, its own version of Snapchat.

Users are now able to share multiple photos and videos throughout the day, appearing together in a 'slideshow' with the option to add text and emojis (sound familiar yet?), which will then disappear after 24 hours (yep, incredibly familiar.)

Instagram Story | ELLE UKpinterest
Instagram

Unlike how Instagram usually works, you won't be able to 'like' or comment on any of the stories, but you will be able to reply — with messages appearing inside your direct messages. If you swipe up your story, a list of usernames of those who've seen your story will appear. 

For those who have their profiles on public, the story will be viewable by everyone (so, you don't need to follow to see a story), but if a profile is set to private, only those who are following will be able to view it. 

Instagram Stories will be rolling out globally over the next few weeks on iOS and Android.

Headshot of Unsah Malik
Unsah Malik
Social Media Manager
Unsah Malik joined team ELLE as the Social Media Manager after working on the social media teams at E! Entertainment UK and The Guardian. She loves traveling, reality TV (#SorryNotSorry), and to edit pictures a pretty shade of pink before uploading them to her Instagram feed.