Instagram has brought several new features to encourage users to further interactions than what the social media platform is already renowned for, and it has picked May Day 2018 to announce them. It also brought a new filter as a countermeasure to bullying comments.
Firstly, the platform will now let you share stories directly to its app from other apps. Spotify and GoPro have been added for the time being, and more apps are to follow for Instagram Stories. The best part is that you don’t even have to connect your account to the platform for Instagram sharing stories. All you need is to tap on the share button in Spotify or GoPro app and see your content directly pulled into the Instagram camera. It lets you edit before adding and even send a direct message via Direct.
Next, Instagram now has a Camera Effects Platform. The company is unlocking the ability to add camera effects for third parties. The likes of face filters and text styles can now make your shares have a more interactive as well as innovative appearance. When you see a cool effect on one of your followers’ accounts, you can tap ‘Try it on’ to add it to your tray. Creative effects from the likes of Buzzfeed, Baby Ariel, Ariana Grande, Vogue, Liza Koshy, and more are on the way, Instagram says.
Thirdly, an entirely new feature that has been highly requested by users is coming within weeks. The video chat can enable a group of friends to hang together virtually while going through an improved communicative spree, surpassing the lack of physical presence. A new camera icon will be at the top of a Direct thread for you to initiate a video chat. You can even minimize the ongoing video session and continue the chat while simultaneously being engaged in other activities on Instagram. This feature is presently in testing mode and will soon have a global rollout.
Fourth on the list is a redesigned Instagram Explore. The new makeover has now become more organized for the users to browse more insightfully. Still remaining personalized, the content of Instagram Explore is divided into topic channels for you to browse across your interests and eventually go deeper on any area. It will be rolled out within the coming weeks.
Last but not least, Instagram now has a bullying filter for the global community. You can disable it from the Comment Controls center in the app. It targets comments that contain attacks and threats to a person’s appearance and well-being and hides those. It as well can alert users regarding repetitive problems. The company is further expanding on its policies to protect young public figures from bullying on the platform. Having faith in promoting kindness, the company will host a Kindness Prom on the coming Saturday, May 5 to celebrate people that are spreading positivity in the community of Instagram. I hope they have enough cookies!
