Instagram

Instagram Adds Direct Messaging Feature To Help Users Promote Live Streams

Instagram wants to make it easier for users to gather viewers to their live broadcasts.

An update within the latest version of Instagram enables users to send their friends — or groups of friends — a link to an in-progress live stream via direct message. In order to do so, simply tap the ‘Direct’ icon that appears at the bottom of the screen, Instagram writes in a blog post. However, friends will only be able to watch the video if it’s currently live. If the stream has concluded, a message will be sent indicating as much. Viewers can suggest streams to their friends via direct message in the same way that broadcasters can, in order to initiate a co-viewing interaction of sorts.

Version 26 of Instagram is currently available on both iOS and Android .

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Instagram has added several new direct messaging features in recent months as it considers spinning out its Direct product into a standalone app, Techcrunch reports, including photo and video replays, support for links, and new photo orientations.

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Published by
Geoff Weiss

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