Instagram adds support for Facebook Messenger Rooms, letting you chat with up to 50 people

It looks like Facebook wants to get as many people using Messenger Rooms as possible. While there are still hints that it is coming to WhatsApp, Instagram rolls out the integration officially. Facebook Messenger Rooms allow users to chat with up to photo people on a single video call. What the integration means is you can create Messenger Rooms through Instagram, before it takes you to Facebook Messenger. 

If this feature interests you, then you can access it through the Direct Messages section of Instagram. When you're in the part of the app, select the video camera icon on the top right-hand corner. At the top of the list, you'll see Create a Room option with a description that says, "Send a Link to video chat with anyone, even if they don't have Instagram." And then it'll prompt you to select the blue "Create Room as (your name)" at the bottom of the screen. From there, you can choose the people from Instagram you want to invite and press Send. You can then opt to Join Room. In the same window, you can get a link to the Room to share with the people you want to join your chat.

Facebook acquires Giphy, reportedly for US$400 million

Facebook has acquired GIF-sharing service Giphy and plans to make it part of the Instagram team. Facebook didn't reveal how much it paid for to buy Giphy, but Axios reports that it's priced at around US$400 million. Giphy is expected to keep its branding, but it'll be primarily integrated into Instagram. GIFs are prevalent and used heavily in Instagram Stories, so having more access to a GIF-sharing service could work in Facebook's favour. We might expect to see it more integrated into other Facebook services as well.

Source: Engadget

You can now send Instagram direct messages on the desktop

It's easier to slide into Instagram DMs on the desktop now. The Facebook-owned social media app announced on Twitter that you can now send direct messages from the desktop. Instagram is rolling out the feature to all users around the world. Sending DMs works the same way it does on mobile. You'll now see a direct message icon on the top right corner of your screen. You can access existing conversations and send new ones as well.

Facebook's latest test lets Stories users cross-post to Instagram

Cross-posting with Instagram used to be a one-way street. Instagram users were able to share their Stories to Facebook, but not the other way around. Now, the company is working on a new tool for Facebook Stories users to cross-post to Instagram Stories. App researcher Jane Manchun Wong first discovered the "Share Story to Instagram" toggle within the Story Privacy settings. If you switch this feature on, a "Share to Story" button will appear on your post.

Facebook confirmed that it is testing the feature now. It isn't clear when it will be widely released or if it will allow both apps to sync a Story's view so you can avoid watching the same cross-posted Story twice. But we will let you know for any updates.

Source: Engadget