After recently upgrading their app with the function of Snapchat-like Stories, Instagram has today released two major new updates to their product: Instagram Live Video and disappearing photos and videos for groups and friends in Instagram Direct.
As we’ve seen with the success of live video on Facebook, live broadcasting is certainly where the where industry is heading! However, one key difference between Instagram Live video and existing live broadcasting products like Facebook Live and Periscope is that Instagram Live video is completely ephemeral: as soon as the broadcast ends, the video disappears. No replays!
From live interviews to taking people behind the scenes of your company, to giving a tour or hosting Q&A sessions, to covering events and even delivering special announcements, this new feature offers MASSIVE new opportunities to your business!
The second feature Instagram debuted today is disappearing photos and videos within Instagram Direct. In a move that again edges Instagram ever closer to Snapchat, Instagrammers will be able to send disappearing photos and videos directly to groups and individuals. Since Instagram made improvements to the way to their direct messaging system worked last year, the number of people who use Instagram Direct each month has grown from 80 million to 300 million!
At the moment, whether your account is set to public or private, you can only send disappearing photos and videos to people who follow you.
Live video will be rolling out globally over the next few days and disappearing messages in Instagram Direct will be live across the globe today! Follow us on Instagram @AdaptingSocial as we test and demonstrate these new features and, as usual, help you adapt to this new social trend!
