Instagram has pretty much cloned Snapchat with a new feature called Stories
Instagram has pretty much cloned Snapchat with a new feature called Stories - but just because it's a copycat doesn't mean you shouldn't use it.
If you've ever tried Snapchat, Instagram Stories will look very familiar to you. It is basically the same premise, presented the same way: impromptu picture and video posts that disappear after 24 hours.
Snapchat invented the genre but here is the reason you should still give Instagram's version a shot - your friends and family are probably already there.
Follow KTLA Tech Reporter Rich DeMuro on Facebook or Twitter for cool apps, tech tricks & tips!
That's because many of us have been dutifully checking Instagram for years - unlike Snapchat where you either got into it or you didn't. Instagram Stories doesn't require a new signup or even checking a new app. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started.
To follow Rich's Story on Instagram search for username richontech or use this link: https://www.instagram.com/richontech
To start posting to your "story," just press the plus sign in the upper left hand corner of your Instagram home feed. This will open a live preview of your camera. Alternatively, you can just swipe right to bring you right to the camera instantly.
Press to snap a picture, press and hold to capture a short video clip. You'll know time is up when the ring around the shutter button completes the circle. You can review your snapshot or video clip before you post it to your friends.
Once you have your shot, swipe right again to toggle through Instagram's filters to change the color and look of your photo. Right now these are pretty limited and pale in comparison to what Snapchat offers with fun geotags and faces.
Now take a look in the upper right hand corner. You'll see some fun tools to doctor up your creation. You can draw on your picture, type text or use emoji. Lots of people are loving the "neon" text that looks like it is glowing.
When you're happy with your post, press the button in the bottom middle of your screen. It's either an up arrow (Android) or a checkmark (iOS). Now, your story is ready for your friends to see.
When your friends log into Instagram, your Story will appear in a circle above their photofeed. They appear in chronological order of posting. You can also tell when you have new stories to look at since the ring around the profile picture will be colored in as opposed to just an outline.
To navigate stories, just tap someone's profile circle. You'll see their first post for a limited amount of time. To advance to their next post, just tap on the right side of your screen. To go back and look at a post again, tap on the left half of your screen. To skip someone's story completely swipe left across your screen. Again, to go back to the beginning of someone's story swipe right across your screen.
It sounds complicated but it's really not. You'll get the hang of it in no time.