Instagram tests out audio and video call feature

Looks like Instagram is adding one more feature that pits it up against Snapchat. TechCrunch has spotted icons in the Android version of theapp that shows the company is working on calling features: one for traditional audio calls and one for video calls as well. The tech site speculates Instagram might be considering putting this into its Direct Messaging system to put it squarely up against Snapchat. This isn’t the first time this option has been talked about, though.  Support for these features have been spotted in testing last month.

Instagram is trying out screenshot alerts for Stories

Instagram’s latest test might ruffle a few feathers. The social network is trying out a feature that will let your friend know that you took a screenshot of their story. But if you have this feature, you’ll also be able to see who has been taking screenshots of your Stories. You won’t be notified when someone takes a screenshot. Instead, there will be a camera shutter logo beside the user who took a screenshot of the photo in your list of story viewers.

When Instagram was asked about the test, the company said “we are always testing ways to improve the experience on Instagram and make it easier to share any moment with the people who matter to you.” As TechCrunch points out, Instagram might be trying to see if this would affect engagement when it comes to users watching Stories. Some might not use it as often if they knew their screenshots are being seen by the creator. Previously, notifications were only sent out when you took a screenshot of a private direct message.

Instagram will now let you add GIF stickers to your Stories

It seems like a long time coming, especially with the popularity of GIFs on the internet, but the wait is finally over. Instagram is rolling out to both Android and iOS users a new GIF button with the GIFs you can add provided by GIPHY. Just like how it’s done on other platforms, you can browse through trending GIF stickers or look for specific ones to add to your photo or video story.

Aside from that, Instagram users can expect in the near future the ability to upload photos and videos “of any size” into a story, similar to what you can do with Stories on Facebook. So instead of cutting off a part of an image or video, Stories will show the entire photo or clip in its original state. Any extra room will be filled by a color gradient to match the colors of the image or video.

Source: MacRumors

New Instagram feature might show just how addicted to the social network you are

There’s a new feature that’s on by default on Instagram, and you may or may not like it. It shows people you private message or tag in your Instagram Stories when the last time you were on the app. It’s apparently showing up for both Android and iOS users. If you would prefer to keep how often you are on the app, you can just scroll to the bottom of the settings menu and turn off the toggle beside the “Show Activity Status” option. If you do this though, you won’t be able to see when other people were last online.

Source: Business Insider