Instagram is making a big change to its Stories feature.

Instagram Stories has become a major success for the photo-sharing app, with the ephemeral photo and video update feature – much like Snapchat Stories – proving popular among users.

Many are taking advantage of the feature to detail the minutiae of their daily lives, and now the company has turned on a much-requested feature within the app. Users can now add photos and videos from their camera roll direct to their Story even if the content is more than 24 hours old.

No time limit for Instagram Stories content

Previously, the limitation meant that users’ Stories were primarily a record of the present moment, but this new feature further differentiates Instagram and Snapchat’s offerings.

To access the new feature, users can just swipe up to access the photos and videos on their device. They will see a section of content captured within a 24-hour window followed by the remainder of their camera roll.

All they have to do then is add it to Stories and edit it if they so choose, as it has always been done. The update is available as part of Version 22 of the app for iOS, and Version 18 on Android.

A possible split in Instagram’s user base

Many are speculating that this change could herald a split in Instagram’s user base between those who post to the app’s feed as it was originally developed, and those who prefer the fleeting engagement that the Stories option brings.

This adaptation from the Instagram team shows an app that is willing to mould itself to how it is being used, and demonstrates company-wide recognition of user habits changing over time. This outlook could be where Snapchat is going, following CEO Evan Spiegel’s revelations of a major redesign in the works for the Instagram rival as it reported disappointing quarterly results earlier this week.

Instagram Explore page with Stories feature. Image: Worawee Meepian/Shutterstock