If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Instagram really has a soft spot for Snapchat.

The latest “Snapchat-inspired” update for Instagram: Location Stories.

What a Story

Location Stories, which collates multiple stories into a slideshow tagged with a location sticker, is now available on Instagram’s Explore page.

The feature makes it easier to dive into stories around a geographical location, for up to 24 hours after posting.

Second fiddle

Instagram has also made it easier to search for content within stories, via keywords or hashtags.

It will surprise few that this feature debuted on Snapchat two months ago.

The means the time it takes Instagram to mimic Snapchat’s successful features is shrinking. And while it may not be the most original approach, it’s ruthlessly effective.

Proof's in the pudding

Instagram Stories now has more users than all of Snapchat combined. And these 'Grammers just got another reason to stay away from snapping.

The ball’s in your court Snapchat. What can you serve up next that Instagram can’t instantly absorb?

What do you think of Instagram’s strategy with Snapchat? Let us know in the Comments.