A number of new features are currently rolling out to Instagram, which makes it easier for users to share content and communicate with other users on the platform. Among the new features that are coming to the social media platform include the ability to quickly share content from the GoPro app and the music streaming platform Spotify to Instagram Stories. In order to share these content, users will only need to tap on the share button and choose Instagram Stories. Users may then edit the GoPro videos or Spotify stickers on the Instagram app before it is uploaded to the social media platform or sent to another user through Instagram Direct.
Another important feature that is coming to Instagram is the ability to initiate video chats with other users through Instagram’s Direct Messaging service. Reports of a new video calling feature on Instagram have been circulating since January, and a look into the hidden files of the application resulted in the discovery of icons that could be used for video and voice calls. Instagram noted that the video calling feature can be started by pressing on the camera icon which is located near the upper right corner of the screen. Users may choose to call a specific person or a group of people, and they may also minimize the video chat while doing other activities inside the application. This feature puts the social media platform on par with its largest rival Snapchat, which introduced group video calls early last month and debuted one-on-one video chats a few years ago. Instagram further mentioned that the video chat feature is currently in testing phase, and it is expected to roll out to users around the world in the near future.
Other new features that are rolling out to Instagram users are the redesigned Explore page and the Camera Effects Platform. The redesigned Explore page now includes topic channels, which organizes content based on the interest of the user. This redesign will be deployed to Instagram users within the next few weeks. The Camera Effects Platform, on the other hand, permits popular Instagram accounts and other third parties to create stickers and other similar visual effects for their followers.
