Instagram has been constantly releasing updates to capture the attention of its users. In the latest update launched last Tuesday for iOS and Android users, the addition of stickers and "hands-free" video recording seem to be too similar to that of its biggest competition, Snapchat.
First is the addition of stickers to photos or videos. Users can now draw or add text, add a location sticker which is like tagging the location of a post, and current time and weather stickers. There are no limits to the number of stickers that can be added in one post and they can be resized accordingly.
To celebrate the festive season, Instagram also rolled out a Holiday selection of stickers which includes a candy cane brush. However, this special selection of stickers will only last for a few weeks until they are replaced by permanent ones come 2017. The app also supports alignment of text fields with multiple text fields, according to Venture Beat.
Second is the addition of a so-called "hands-free" video where users can share moments or stories on Instagram, much like that on Snapchat. This is a step up compared with that of Snapchat's video recording, where users have to hold the button while shooting videos to share with friends. The updated Instagram app allows users to simply "tap" a button and begin recording their video.
#Protip for your next Instagram story: go hands-free and record a video with just one tap! https://t.co/JQgae1SSXk
— Instagram (@instagram) December 21, 2016
The Instagram update also carries the ability of users to download an entire day's worth of stories in one single video format. They also can add unlimited texts, by pressing the text button to add more, per The Verge.
Instagram's latest update is much more of a clone of Snapchat's special-themed tools. But the Facebook-owned company beat Snapchat to some of the features users have been wanting for a while.
The Instagram update is now available for iOS and Android users. It can be downloaded in either the App Store or Google Play Store. To know more about the launched updates on Instagram, check out their official blog post.
