14 DAY TRIAL // Just recently, Instagram updated its application with a new feature called Stories, which was strikingly similar to the one found in Snapchat. Now it seems that Instagram has again updated its Android and iOS apps with new goodies that somewhat resemble what Snapchat offers.
Instagram has updated its applications with the option for users to zoom with one hand during a video recording. The feature allows them to slide their fingers up while holding the video recording button.
It's a feature very similar to the one offered by Snapchat, but in the latter's case, users need to press and hold the button in order to record a video. The video can also be zoomed with a simple gesture on the display.
In addition, Instagram has added another feature that would enable users to switch between the front and back camera with a simple double tap on the viewfinder button. This feature allows users to record interesting videos in an easier way. The update also brings some bug fixes and performance improvements to the iOS and Android app so that the applications would load faster.
These features seem strikingly similar to what Snapchat offers to its users, aside from the Stories feature that Instagram introduced just recently.
Clearly, the Facebook-owned app aims to keep users inside the application and prevent them from jumping ship and switching to other social networks. However, Instagram's Stories doesn't come with the option to like or comment on posts, but users can share multiple pictures and videos in a slideshow format.