New York, Aug 3 (IANS): In a yet another reported copying of mobile messaging app Snapchat which it once tried to buy for $3 billion, Facebook has announced a "Stories" format for Instagram that clones Snapchat's popular feature.

Instagram copying Snapchat's "Stories" feature is a smart attempt to make its rival less unique and Facebook didn't even give it a different name, androidauthority.com reported on Wednesday.

In Instagram "Stories", a set of moments are created that will appear in a slideshow format which can be viewed by your followers for up to 24 hours which then disappear without remaining on your permanent profile -- much like Snapchat Stories.

Instagram is giving you the ability to natively add text, stickers and drawings to photos in your story.

Instagram "Stories" is rolling out globally for iOS and Android over the next few weeks.

Users will see stories from people they follow in a bar at the top of their feed -- from their best friends to their favourite popular accounts.

When there's something new to see, their profile photo will have a colourful ring around it.

Unlike regular posts, there are no likes or public comments.

Facebook earlier announced that users can go live from the face-swapping MSQRD app and utilise different Snapchat-like masks and filters while the video is running.

Facebook first acquired Masquerade, the Belarusian startup behind MSQRD back in March with the intention to "continue enhancing the Facebook video experience."