Instagram has unveiled a new feature that will allow users to broadcast live videos on Instagram stories. The Facebook-owned also unveiled another feature that will let users send disappearing photos and video messages to followers via direct message.
The new ephemeral video and photo message feature is similar to what we have on photo-sharing rival Snapchat.
Users will now be able to broadcast video to their followers in real-time, although the followers can only watch while you’re still streaming.
To start a live broadcast, just swipe right from feed to open the camera, tap the “Start Live Video” button and start sharing for up to an hour. ‘’Your friends may get a notification when you go live so they can tune in. While you’re live, you can pin a comment for everyone to see or turn comments off altogether.’’ the company said in a blogpost.
When someone you follow also starts a live story, a ‘’Live’’ notification will appear under their profile photo in their stories bar. Instagram will also allow you to comment and like as much as you can. To check out new live stories on Explore, tap ‘’Top Live’’ and also swipe right and left to easily skip around.
Instagram also made some updates to its Direct Message feature, which was launched last year. Now you can send disappearing photos and videos directly to groups and individual friends with this new update.
Instagram says the number of people using Direct each month has grown from 80 million to 300 million people around the world since it was launched last year.
‘’Today’s update keeps regular direct messages the same and adds a more visual way to connect with your closest friends — all in one convenient place.’’
Both the new features will be rolling out globally over the next few weeks.
