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Instagram is releasing an update to its disappearing messages feature [1] that will immediately remind you of Snapchat. The company announced you can now send disappearing photos and videos as a direct message to your friends in a single thread on the app.
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To access the feature, either head into an existing thread or go to your direct messages and swipe left. Tap the blue camera icon at the bottom, and either snap a photo or shoot a video. Pick who to send it to, and you're done! You can't see what you've sent, so shoot carefully. The person you send a message to, however, can replay it — but only if they stay within the thread. But, like Snapchat, you'll get a notification if they replay it or take a screenshot.
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Like Facebook Stories [2], this updated feature on Instagram is yet another sign of how fiercely Facebook is competing with Snapchat. It's not clear who will ultimately win the direct messaging/stories competition, but expect Instagram and Facebook to continue to try to woo you.