Instagram launches live video and disappearing photos

Instagram has announced two updates to its app: live video on Instagram Stories, and disappearing photos and videos for groups and friends in Instagram Direct.

Users will be able to broadcast live by swiping right from their Instagram feed to open the camera and tapping “start live video”. This will be shared immediately for up to an hour, when it disappears from the app. Instagram explains this means users “can feel more comfortable sharing anything, anytime”. Users may get a notification when a person they follow goes live, so they can tune in and comment (if comments are switched on), and the user will have “Live” posted under their profile photo.

The Explore tab will also feature live stories, and a Top Live section will share the most popular live videos at that moment. Live video on Instagram Stories will be rolling out globally over the next few weeks.

As of today, Instagram Direct will allow users to send photos and videos directly to groups or individuals, that disappear after they’ve seen them, much like Snapchat. Users will be able to see if the person they sent it to replayed or took a screenshot of the message.

According to the company, the number of people using Instagram Direct has increased from 80m to 300m per month.