Instagram Stories takes aim at Snapchat, brings messages that self-destruct

Instagram appears to be testing the waters with messages that disappear after a period of time, much like competing messaging app Snapchat. Text, digital stickers, and drawings can be added to images filed to Instagram Stories; comments take the form of private Direct Messages, and Instagram's announcement encourages users not to worry about "overposting."

"Instagram has always been a place to share the moments you want to remember. Now you can share your highlights and everything in between, too," it advises.

The move is being received as a measure to harness the appeal of temporary messaging network Snapchat in a style that fits in with Instagram's own ethos.

Watch it in action: