Signal Has Expanded Its Secure Messaging App with The Addition Of Stories

Signal now offers an ephemeral Snapchat-like option for sharing photos with friends. The feature was unveiled a month after the messaging app indicated that it was jumping on the Stories bandwagon and was already beta testing the capabilities. Signal’s latest feature, also known as “Stories,” allows you to post photos that will be available on the app for 24 hours until you delete them before the timer expires. Stories, like everything else on Signal, are end-to-end encrypted and will only be viewable to the individuals you’ve chosen to share them with.

These people might include anybody in your contacts who use the app, as well as anyone you’ve had a one-on-one discussion with or whose message request you’ve accepted, even if you’ve never added them. You can also create custom stories that are exclusively visible to certain users, such as coworkers or those who share your interests. You may also share your stories with existing groups. Just keep in mind that everyone in the group, including people you’ve never engaged with in individual conversations, will be able to view anything you discuss.

Given that Facebook and Instagram already offer comparable capabilities, and Snapchat still exists, it remains to be seen whether Signal’s approach will entice users to use the app more frequently. Signal’s Stories are now accessible on its Android and iOS apps, with desktop support “coming soon” If you don’t want to view your contacts’ Stories or don’t want to submit your own, you can always opt out by heading to Settings and turning off “Turn off stories.”