A hidden Instagram feature shows the social network considering hiding the like count on people’s photos

While it’s a feature that’s unreleased, it’s one that would definitely cause a lot of discussion and change how people use Instagram. Code hunter and programmer Jane Wong found an unreleased feature that would publicly hide like counts from followers. The test describes this as letting “your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get.” Only those who post will be able to see the number of likes received. According to a spokesperson from Instagram, “We’re not testing this at the moment, but exploring ways to reduce pressure on Instagram is something we’re always thinking about.” How do you feel though if Instagram decided to roll this out? Would that still encourage you to use the app?

Source: The Verge

Instagram finally tests a seek bar for its videos

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While it’s considered a video player staple, Instagram has for the longest time not had a seek bar for its videos. App researcher Jane Manchun Wong discovered that the social network is testing out a feature to let you skip backwards and forwards through a video without having to start it up again from the beginning. The feature is said to be working for IGTV, but this test brings it to videos on your regular feed. There isn’t word if the feature will be coming to Stories, too. For now, we’re waiting for the official launch of these feature.

Source: Engadget

Instagram’s reportedly testing video co-watching feature

Instagram might be adopting a Facebook feature soon, further demonstrating how the company’s plans to standardize features across its apps. What’s coming to Instagram looks like Watch Party feature that lets groups watch videos together. Tipster and reverse-engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong found a co-watch code for Instagram. Wong previously spotted the Messenger Watch Together code. The code she discovered this time mentions you can “cowatch content” that comes from a “Playlist” similar to the video queue Facebook Watch Party admins can line up. The users can also check out “Suggested” videos from Instagram. But it isn’t clear yet what exactly you could watch simultaneously. This feature could give IGTV the boost it needs. It also isn’t clear whether there will be a picture-in-picture feature so friends can see your reactions as you watch the same thing together. Instagram has refused to comment on this discovery.

Source: TechCrunch

Samsung Galaxy S10's stock camera app gets Instagram mode

Instagram’s Head of Product Adam Mosseri onstage at the Galaxy Unpacked event

It's been a common gripe that Instagram users on Android don't get a good experience on the app as Apple users do. Samsung and Instagram are hoping to change that for their users. The stock camera app on the Galaxy S10 will get a new Instagram mode. It's as accessible as the other modes you can see in the stock app. It'll let you shoot and upload directly to your Instagram stories. You can add stickers, use Instagram's editing tools, add text, hashtag, and more. Samsung claims it's the “best Instagram experience on a smartphone.”

Aside from that, Samsung is also sharing its camera tech via an open SDK for the camera app, allowing developers to use these new features in their own apps. Samsung announced partnerships with Snapchat, Snow, and Lime, promising its users can take as good photos in these apps as they would in the native camera app.

Source: The Verge