Instagram launches live video

Instagram is once again taking on Snapchat with the announcement of two updates, live video on Instagram Stories and disappearing photos for groups and friends via Instagram Direct.

The news launches it states are to allow users to “feel more comfortable sharing anything, anytime” and attempts to embody the best features of Periscope, Snapchat and Facebook.

The feature that’s getting a lot of buzz is Instagram Live, which will allow users and brands to broadcast live for up to an hour. Live Video will begin testing this week ahead of a wider roll-out in the coming weeks.

It will be easy to use just swipe right from feed to open the camera, tap the “Start Live Video” button and start sharing. While live, users will also be able to pin a comment for everyone to see or turn comments off altogether. Watchers will know that they are following a live story by seeing “Live” under the profile picture in the stories bar. During the broadcast, watchers will be able to comment and like.

This feature will be useful to retailers and brands as they will be able to share exclusive events with more customers, for instance, a launch of a new collection or collaboration, a catwalk show, behind-the-scenes of a photoshoot, or even to showcase the new arrivals on their e-commerce sites.

Instagram takes on Snapchat again with live video and disappearing photos

Instagram has also improved functionality to its direct messaging service, allowing users to add temporary photos and videos. With more than 300 million monthly users using the direct messaging service the aim is to give them more control over private sharing in “one convenient place”.

To use this feature, users just need to swipe right into the camera to take a photo or video, then tap the arrow to send it privately. They can choose to send to a group or an individual, and unlike other messages in Direct, these photos and videos disappear from your friends’ inboxes after they have seen them. Those sharing will be able to see if the videos have been played or if the photos have been viewed, and they’ll also be able to tell if someone has replayed it or taken a screen shot.

The feature will only work with the people who follow you, whether your accounts set to public or private. Disappearing photos and videos in Instagram Direct will start rolling out globally this week.

Instagram first introduced Instagram Stories in August and claims that they have opened up a new side of what people want to share on Instagram, and now more than 100 million people use it every day making a big impact on engagement for the social app. Earlier this month is also added a new tool within Stories to allow people to add links and information within the content.

Images: Instagram Blog