Agents can now target specific groups of followers on Instagram

Instagram is looking to take on its arch-rival Snapchat with the debut of its new Instagram Stories feature, that allows users to post images and video clips that delete themselves within 24 hours.

Not surprisingly, the similarity between Instagram Stories and Snapchat’s own Stories feature has been pointed out by many commentators, as the latter service also lets users post images and videos that self-destruct in 24 hours.

The New York Times says that Instagram Stories is already accessible, via its own section of the photo-sharing application. Users may need to update their Instagram app first, after which they’ll be able to draw and write text over their images, and combine multiple images into a narrative story. Users can also decide if these stories will be made public or private, or choose to allow only specific groups of followers to view them.

For real estate pros, Instagram Stories provides them with another way to market themselves and their listings on the popular app. It’s a big deal because it’s one of the few platforms that lets real estate pros target specific groups of people. Before, your images of your latest listing would have been seen by all of your followers, but now it’s possible to target them according to specific geographic areas, for example. It’s a great way to avoid spamming followers who may not be interested in certain pieces of content, at the very least!

With the addition of Instagram Stories, the app now comes across as being a bit more casual, which the company insists is a good thing for users.

"Our mission has always been to capture and share the world’s moments, not just the world’s most beautiful moments," Kevin Systrom, co-founder and chief executive of Instagram, told the New York Times. "Stories will alleviate a ton of the pressure people have to post their absolute best stuff."