As soon as Instagram added the stories feature to their app, Snapchat introduced the feature memories. The feature stories was first introduced by the popular app Snapchat but users could only share instant photos and 10-second videos. Despite the fact that some third-party add-on apps enabled sharing of existing pictures on Snapchat. However, it is believed recent updates of Snapchat app restricted third-party apps from enabling users to upload existing photos. Since the last few updates of Snapchat introduced memories, Sncapchatters can share previously taken photos without need to install additional apps.
A while back, the two apps were known for the following:
- Instagram is commonly used to share photos and videos while enabling users to comment on them.
- Snapchat is commonly known for sharing timed instant photos and videos that expire within 24 hours.
As of November 2016, Instagram in bundled with the following features:
- Sharing pictures – enabling comment
- Sharing videos – enabling comments
- Direct messaging (DM)
- Stories – (24-hour expiration period)
- Filters
- Sending disappearing photos & videos
As of November 2016, Snapchat is also bundled with the following features:
- Sharing instant snaps (pictures & videos)
- Private chat
- Stories – (24-hour expiration period)
- Filters
- Sharing memories (photos & videos)
- Video calling
Comparing the features of both apps, the primary features are somewhat identical. The question is who is copying who?
According to Mashable, Instagram’s latest Snapchat plagiarism update lets you send self-destructing messages to your friends – an excellent feature for sexy time. Just know that your friend will be notified if you take a screenshot of their message.
Buzzfeed remarked Friday that people are “freaking out” over the notifications, which work exactly as you’d expect them to. If you send a “disappearing message” to a friend and they take a screenshot, you’ll get a message on your phone saying so — just like you would on Snapchat.
Note that the notifications are only for the new disappearing message feature, which, if you’re anything like me, you probably can’t figure out how to use anyway.
Instagram has a weird, dual-identity thing going on right now: When you open the app, you see the feed you’re accustomed to, with the standard buttons for snapping pictures of babies and brunches, but you can also swipe over to a new window that lets you send ephemeral messages. Literally swipe from the left to the right of your screen to get to the new window, which looks like this (kitten not included):
Snap your picture or Boomerang and you’ll have the option to send it directly to individual friends. After they view it, it’ll delete itself.
Don’t worry, though: There is a recent Instagram screenshot feature that’s legitimately kind of creepy. Take a screenshot of your feed and Instagram will pop a new window down saying “You can share this post with your friends.”
Essentially, the app understands that you’ve taken a screenshot of an image, presumably to send to someone or post online, and it’ll offer a few ways to officially share the image if you tap the button.
You do you, but all we gotta say is: best not be sharing our beautiful turkey pictures on your Facebook. That’s just creepy.
