Instagram unveils Snapchat-style self-destructing photos and video and adds live video broadcasts to 'Stories'
- Live video begins testing today for a limited number of users
- It will be rolled out to all other Instagram users in the coming weeks
- Users can only send disappearing photos and videos to people who follow them
Instagram has launched a Snapchat-style self-destructing photo and video service as part of its latest update.
The app is also following Facebook's lead by unveiling a live video broadcasting service of its own.
The photo and video-sharing firm is adding the ability to stream live broadcasts from within the Stories section of the app.
The new features begin testing today and will be gradually rolled out to Instagram users around the globe in the coming weeks.
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The photo and video-sharing app is adding the ability to stream live broadcasts from within the Stories section of the app
'Live video in Stories is a new way for people to connect and interact with their friends right now,' said an Instagram spokesperson.
'When you're done, your live video disappears, so you can feel comfortable sharing what you want, anytime'.
Stories enables users to create 10-second videos then apply filters, type text, add emojis and doodle over the clips.
To broadcast live, users simply need to swipe right from their feed to open the camera, and tap 'Start Live Video'.
They can then broadcast for up to an hour.
When someone is broadcasting live video, a 'LIVE' logo will appear on their Stories icon at the top of the app to alert other users and friends will also receive a notification.
While live, users can pin a comment for everyone to see or turn comments off altogether.
Viewers can like and comment on the broadcast.
To look at new live stories, users can tap 'Top Live' on the Explore tab and swipe right and left to skip around.
The photo-sharing app has also made an update to its Direct service, which has more than 300 million monthly users.
The photo-sharing service has also made an update to its Direct service, which has more than 300 million monthly users. As of today, all Instagram users will be able to share Snapchat-style temporary photos and videos in groups and one-to-one conversations
As of today, all Instagram users will be able to share Snapchat-style temporary photos and videos in groups and one-to-one conversations.
'Now, with ephemeral photos and videos for group and 1:1 conversations, we're giving the community even more control over their private sharing,' said an Instagram spokesperson.
Users can swipe right to fire up the camera and snap a photo or video.
They can they tap the arrow to send these privately.
After being viewed, the photos and videos will disappear from friend's inboxes and the sender will be able to see if the recipient replayed them or took a screenshot.
Users can only send disappearing photos and videos to people who follow them.
A new paper airplane icon at the top right of the feed will open the inbox.
Disappearing photos and videos are displayed in a bar at the top.
Users can tap the ones with blue rings to see what they've been sent.
In a group, all responses are shown in a slideshow format.
These new features in Direct will be available to all users today.
As of today, all Instagram users will be able to share Snapchat-style temporary photos and videos in groups and one-to-one conversations
Both of the new features are designed 'to give people the flexibility to capture and share all their moments in a fun, low-pressure way,' said Instagram.
Earlier this month, Instagram updated its Stories feature to make it more social.
Users can now include links, add mentions, and even take a Boomerang video inside Stories.
Last month, Instagram made it easier to report concerning posts that may indicate that a person needs a help.
A potentially life-saving update being rolled out from this week that enables users of the photo-sharing app to anonymously report friend's posts that mention any form of self-harm.
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