Instagram has revamped its Explore page to focus more on trending news topics and locations, in a move that potentially challenges Twitter.

New frontiers

Instagram announced the update in a blog post.

"Today we’re excited to announce two major updates to Instagram that will help connect our community to the world as it happens: the all-new Explore page, with trending Tags and Places, and more powerful search that makes it easier to find the people, places, and tags you’re looking for."

Electronic Explorers

The new look Explore page has four new tabs: Trending Tags, Trending Places, Curated Content and Places Search.

Instagram says this will give users a unique perspective into events such as Father's Day and the NBA finals, all in real-time.

While Curated Content shows feeds from prominent Instagrammers including musicians and extreme athletes.

The Searchers

The new Places Search feature lets users peer into virtually any location on earth, according to Instagram.

For example your next holiday destination, music festival or popular new restaurant.

Twitter smack down

The move marks an important pivot for Instagram – away from pretty pictures and into the realm of real-time news and events. Something Twitter has traditionally dominated.

With over 70 million photos and videos posted daily and 300 million users, Facebook-owned Instagram could pose a real threat to Twitter's hold on real-time traffic. 

To find out more visit blog.instagram.com.