Signal is now adding a Stories feature to its centralized encrypted instant messaging service. Like secure messages, Signal says these features are also encrypted to help users be more secure while using the app.
Signal Adds Stories Feature
Engadget reports that this feature is similar to Snapchat in that users can share photos with friends. According to the report, Signal has beta-tested the feature for a month.
With Signal Stories, users can share text messages, images, and video messages with their friends. After 24 hours, stories will disappear.
Signal says that Stories are a new way users can express themselves on the messaging platform. It allows users to share whatever kind of content they want with their circle of friends. "Stories have emerged to serve these specific functions and others in the broader communications landscape," the app said in a blog.
A Closer Look
Signal users have the ability to control who can see their Stories. This is done by navigating the app's settings, where users can choose whether to share their stories with everyone in their Signal or phone contact list, anyone with whom they have a Signal conversation, or anyone whose message request they have accepted.
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Just like Facebook Stories, Signal also allows users to hide stories from specific people. Users can also create custom Stories to share their Stories with a specific group of people. Along with these options, stories can also be shared with existing group chats.
Everyone in the group can see the Story you share with one of your pre-existing group chats, along with any comments and responses made by other members. Whether or not you have interacted with other group members outside of the group, you will be able to see updates that they post to your story.
Now here is something cooler: users can also choose to send view receipts when they have viewed someone else's Story. Signal users also have the option to see who has seen their Stories. You can turn to view receipts on or off in the Settings menu.
In a blog, Signal announced that the Stories feature now available for Android and iOS users. Meanwhile, the Desktop version will be rolling out soon.
Growing Need for Encrypted Messaging
The encrypted messaging platform has seen an increase in users, according to Statista data, with monthly global installs rising from September 2020 to 2021. During this time period, the number of Signal installs worldwide doubled. With 51 million installs on Android and iOS devices, January 2021 saw the highest number of Signal downloads ever.
Meanwhile, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, downloads of secure messaging apps Telegram and Signal have increased rapidly. According to Statista, Signal, in particular, has seen a massive rise in popularity in Ukraine, as well as a lesser but still significant increase in Russia.
