Instagram Gets a Snapchat-inspired Direct Messaging Feature

Facebook apparently isn't done copying Snapchat yet. The company owned photo-sharing network Instagram is taking another page out of Snapchat's playbook with an ephemeral redesign of its direct messaging feature. The update allows users to share photos and videos that, like Snapchat, can be viewed or played once before they disappear. As is the norm with ephemeral messaging, the sender will be notified if the viewer takes a screenshot. It is to be noted that this is not Facebook's first foray to out-snap its rival. It copied Snapchat's Stories format in Instagram last August, which has since then been replicated in Messenger, WhatsApp and its flagship app to mixed results (paywall). Snap Inc. shares immediately dipped nearly 2% on the news.

Snap Inc. shares after Instagram copies more of Snapchat features

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