Instagram users are now able to directly respond to individual shared videos and photos thanks to threaded conversations.

Instant sticker, instant reaction

Replying with Direct will prompt users to overlay their reaction over a sticker version of the media being replied to.

The sticker shows up either in the top corner or within half of a split screen, allowing friends on the receiving end to draw or stylise the photo for a bit of fun on the fly.

Like Snapchat, the new functionality is meant to empower further app growth. The ability to respond to a photo with another photo seems a natural step given the visual aspect of the platform.

Will it catch on?

The new response feature is being rolled out via Android and iOS simultaneously, giving the platform a large push to compete with Snapchat’s stylised response culture.

For what seems to be another “me too” approach of photo and video share platforms, the main detail to recall is the reach of these apps, with Snapchat favouring North American markets versus Instagram’s global reach.

In the end the new feature keeps in line with competition without reinventing the wheel, which may be all they need at present.

Have you been enjoying responses to photos with your own? Would you rather carry a visual back and form over Snapchat or Instagram? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.