Instagram revamps feature while Snapchat woos marketers
The Facebook-owned photo app boosted its feature that rivals its main competitor, Snapchat. That company, however, is focusing on luring marketers into using the platform’s data.
You can add one more to the mix, however: a revamped version of Instagram Direct.
Though the Instagram Direct feature is nothing new, the Facebook-owned app has repurposed it to include disappearing photo and video messages in single or group messages as well as permanent text/emojis.
Previously, Instagram Direct was a clunky chat feature, but this update makes the tool much more attractive. It brings the added feature of enabling users to embellish their photos and videos—just like Snapchat.
Here’s how Instagram announced the new version:
Instagram claims that 375 million people are using Direct, calling it in a blog post “the best place to have fun, visual conversations with your friends.”
Photos and videos can only be replayed once, and users will get a notification if another user takes a screenshot of it. Regular texts, uploads and reshares stay the same on the app and will remain viewable.
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