Instagram's next big addition to Stories is disappearing live videos and private messaging
Instagram says over 100 million people use Stories daily and today, it's introducing two big features to Instagram Stories on iOS first and Android over the next few weeks. Instagram's next big addition to Stories is disappearing live videos and private messaging. If that sounds familiar then it's simply an amalgamation of Snapchat's popular disappearing videos. Instagram, now owned by Facebook is deviating from the formula of Facebook Live to rely on what snapchat and Periscope does best for its live video feature.
Instagram Live will allow you to broadcast video to your followers in real-time but the video will only be available when you are streaming. Yes, there is no replay available like Facebook Live. Users can browse an algorithmically curated Explore page of best Instagram Live videos happening right now. This will be the way you will see new creators and get hooked onto Instagram even more. If you don't wish to post disappearing videos or photos to your followers then there is even option to send disappearing direct message to just a few close friends.
Instagram Live: This is the biggest feature addition to Stories since the addition of mentions, URLs and Boomerang to Stories. The live video on Instagram Stories allows users to connect with their friends and followers right away. The live video disappears from the app once the user ends the live video session. Its basically like Facebook Live without option to replay.
Instagram Live Video can be started by swiping right and tapping the "Start Live Video" button. Instagram users can go live for up to an hour and friends will be notified when you go live. There is an option to pin a comment for everyone to see or turn comments off altogether.
When someone you follow starts a live story, Instagram will add a 'Live' icon under their profile photo in the stories bar. Interestingly there is an option to comment and like as much as you want when someone you follow broadcasts a live story. Tapping 'Top Live' in the Explore Tab shows a list of top live stories happening at that moment. Instagram users can skip between multiple live videos simply by swiping right and left.
Instagram Direct: Instagram Direct is one of the most underrated feature of the photo sharing platform. With Instagram Direct, users can share direct photos and videos to friends and even chat or plan to a photo story. With today's update, Instagram users can even make them disappear like magic. Now, Instagram users can send disappearing photos and videos directly to groups and individual friends via direct message.
Instagram says number of people using Direct each month has grown from 80 million to 300 million people around the world. Now swiping right into the camera to take a photo or video offers an option to send it privately. Users can choose a group or create one in just few steps. "Unlike other messages in Direct, these photos and videos disappear from your friends’ inboxes after they have seen them. And you’ll see if they replayed it or took a screenshot."
The disappearing photos and videos in Instagram Direct is rolling out globally starting today while the live story feature will be available over the coming weeks.
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