Instagram updates ‘Stories’ & ‘Direct’ with live videos and disappearing photos

Instagram's next update is here that finally brings live video feature on its platform. The photo-sharing app has launched live video on ‘Stories’ and disappearing photos and videos for groups and friends in Instagram Direct.

Instagram's debut with live video gives users the option to live stream via “Instagram Stories.” Currently, viewers can watch only live broadcasts when the hosting account is actually live and they can add comments and send unlimited hearts.

Moreover, the app will notify only the ones (followers) who engage with your photos and videos the most. And if someone harasses you, you can report them or block them from ever seeing your broadcasts again.

However, once the live broadcast ends, it will just vanish away. This means it will be unavailable for further viewing.

Through Instagram app’s messaging service 'Direct', users can now send disappearing photos and videos in chats, one-on-one or groups.

You can swipe into the camera to take a photo or video, and then tap the arrow right to send it privately. Users can choose to send the picture to a group or and/or to individual friends at the same time. This conversation too will disappear soon.

Kevin Weil, Instagram’s head of product said, "Instagram is going from a place to share highlights to a place where you can share all of the moments of your day in a pressure-free space."

“Now we’re launching live video in Instagram Stories and a totally new Instagram Direct,” Weil continued. “They are both about being about to share the moments of your day with exactly the audience you want to share with.”

The updated Instagram direct is currently available (if you are yet to receive it, wait for a day or two), however, the Live video has been made available only to a small group of users for testing.