For months now, the major social networks have been ‘influenced’ by their competition. Instagram introduced stories, Twitter created stickers and Facebook began live streaming … imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all.
So, it’ll come as no surprise that they’re at it again.
Instagram Announces Disappearing Messages and Live Streaming
Instagram announced this week that it will soon be offering live streaming capabilities, as well as a disappearing private messaging function. Sound familiar?
The live streaming capabilities will slot into the stories section and, unlike Facebook Live, the videos will disappear straight after the broadcast ends. That means, you’ll have to be quick not to miss out on the latest happenings.
The second update will see disappearing private messages becoming a thing. Like Snapchat, Instagram will allow subscribers to send disappearing photos and videos to either groups or individuals via its direct messaging function.
At the moment, 300million people use the current direct messaging option, with 150million using the app daily, so the app is aiming to build on this and grow app retainment too.
Ken Weil, Instagram’s product boss, has told the press:
“We want Instagram to be a place where you share all of your moments,”
“[That includes] the more private moments or the inside jokes that are relevant not for your entire Instagram following but for a smaller group of folks.”
He also explained that the social app won’t be working with influencers to promote the new live option and the overall aim is to make Instagram more personal.
To learn more about the new functions, including how to use them, read Instagram’s official announcement on its blog here. Alternatively, why not play around with the app yourself?