Instagram tested out curated video channel on Halloween

It’s not the most imaginative name for a new curated video channel but Instagram has tested its “Best Videos” feature on Halloween. The videos were bundled under the headline “Watch Halloween’s best videos.” From there, users could see everything from dogs dressed as Stormtroopers, Miley Cyrus singing “Ghostbusters,” to video-editing assisted Halloween magic tricks. The feature went live at around 1 p.m. on Halloween and Instagram was said to have added videos for about 24 hours. Users were able to submit their 15-second clips by tagging them with the hashtag #IGHalloween. Perhaps we shall be seeing this feature more in other upcoming holidays and big news events and festivals.

Source: Engadget

Instagram pins blame on Apple for its anti-nudity stance

We’re sure you’ve heard of the #freethenipple movement on Instagram. It’s a protest against Instagram who quickly pulls down posts with women’s nipples (weirdly enough they don’t do it for the males, but that's a different discussion altogether). They take these down even if the shot isn’t pornographic. Why do they do that? According to Instagram CEO Kevyn Systrom, it’s because of Apple. It’s done order to keep their existing 12+ rating and get a wider audience. Only apps with 17+ rating get to show explicit content. It’s worth noting though that Twitter has tons of porn accounts and posts even with its 4+ year old rating and the app’s still on the App Store.

Source: Business Insider + Mic | Via: Engadget

Instagram now allows for 30-second ads on its platform

Instagram is giving brands more room to work with by allowing them to have ads that last up to 30 seconds long. Companies will also be able to use the new landscape format for their photo and video ads. Ads are already available in over 30 new countries, including India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and South Korea. It’ll be launching in more markets around the world on September 30^th.

The social network also promises to offer brands optimization tools to help them reach users both on Instagram and Facebook. They’re also introducing a new premium product called Marquee. Instagram describes it as a way to help “drive mass awareness and expanded reach in a short time-frame—perfect for events like movie premieres and new product launches.”

Source: Instagram | Via: The Next Web

Instagram now lets you use private messaging to send photos

Instagram has boosted its Direct messaging feature to let you have threaded conversations around public photos or shots taken instantly. Think of it as Instagram's way of taking on Snapchat. When you previously found an Instagram shot you liked, you would usually @-mention someone on the post. Now, you can just send the photo to your friend via Instagram Direct. All you need to do is tap on the arrow that's right beside the Like and Comment buttons. But, of course, the photo has to be set to public for you to share it, unless you and your friend both follow the private account. These photos will appear in the new threaded conversation format. You can even send hashtag pages and location pages through Instagram Direct. 

The new Instagram Direct will also let you take quick snaps to send right away, rename your groups, and send emojis. The version 7.5 update is already available for both iOS and Android. 

Source: Instagram | Download: Apple App Store (Free) + Google Play Store (Free)