Instagram Introduces Live Video & Disappearing Photos

We are all guilty of taking a photo, deleting the photo, taking another one, complaining that it looks about as good as a bashed onion. Then, repeating this process until you have the perfect picture, just to upload it to Instagram, while your mates sit opposite, thinking you have become some kind of delusional monster. But it’s okay because being Instagram famous is like being rich in Monopoly and who doesn’t like Monopoly…  

It seems that Instagram can’t get enough of adding updates to their platform this year. We’ve seen analytics for business pages, paid posts, Instagram stories and more. But now, Instagram has announced even more updates - Live video on Instagram Stories and Disappearing Photos and videos for groups and friends in Instagram Direct. Could this be another nail in the nails coffin for Snapchat? They have some serious catching up to do in my opinion… But I’m sure that’s a blog for another time.  

Instagram Live stories 

This feature is part of Instagram Stories. From now on, you will be able to see ‘Live’ under a contact’s name when they are sharing a moment. Live streaming isn’t anything ground breaking, so what separates Instagram Live from Facebook Live? Well, when you stop streaming on Instagram the live video disappears. Instagram believes that this will make users feel more “comfortable sharing anything.” 

I can see this feature becoming hugely popular with brands. What a great way to give sneak previews of products, behind the scenes footage, early updates or even discount codes. The only way a user can see them is by engaging with the brand. I predict that in the coming weeks you will start to see posts such as ‘Tune in at 1pm for a live video.’  

 

Live video on Instagram Stories and Explore is due to roll out globally over the next few weeks so watch this space. 

Image Source: Instagram Blog 

How to use this feature

It’s super easy to go live, just swipe right from your feed to open the camera. Tap the “Start Live Video” button and start sharing. You can go live for up to an hour. Friends might also get a notification that you are live so they too can tune in and see your moments. You can also pin a comment for everyone to see or turn off comments while live streaming. 

Image Source: Instagram Blog 

Disappearing Photos and Videos 

With this second exciting feature, Instagram is now letting you send disappearing photos and videos directly to groups and individuals. There are currently 300 million people globally who use Instagram Direct Messages each month. With figures like that, it's no surprise that Instagram has put a little TLC into this feature.   

 

How to use this feature

Swipe right into the camera, take your very best or worst picture / video then tap the arrow to send privately. You can select to send to a group, create a group or send to an individual. Once your friend has seen the picture it will disappear. If they choose to view the photo or video again, you will be notified. 

Image Source: Instagram Blog 

Let’s face it, these are hardly groundbreaking features as we have seen very the similar features on Snapchat for a while now but, it will be very interesting to see how brands and marketers start to utilise these new features on Instagram. I know I for one am already starting to build these into upcoming content plans.

For more help on how to use these new features head over to the Instagram Help Centre.

Want to discuss ways to turbo charge your social media presence? Or look at incorporating these new features into your future marketing campaing? Drop us an email and lets see how we can help.