Image-based social media giant Instagram has announced a new feature that aims to bring friends closer together. Members of the Facebook-owned network can invite friends to join a live video stream. The new feature has been called Go Live.
Currently, the feature is in testing. Instagram says only a select number of members will get the ability out of the gate. We guess this is randomized, so it will be luck of the draw whether you see the feature. However, the company adds the invite feature will come to all users in the coming months.
With this ability, during a video broadcast it is possible to add a contact to the stream. This will be achieved by an icon in the bottom right corner during a livestream.
Friends can comment and watch the video:
“Live video helps you share in an authentic way, but sometimes it can be intimidating when you’re on your own. It’s easy to add a guest while you’re broadcasting. Simply tap the new icon on the bottom right and tap “Add” to invite anyone who’s currently watching.
Once they join, you’ll see the screen split into two and your friend pop up right below you. Your viewers can still like and comment as they follow along.”
Ahead of the Pack
The video creator can manage who is watching by removing and adding friends at any time. Once completed, a stream can be uploaded to Stories or simply deleted.
It is worth noting that this is one area where Instagram is ahead of its rivals. YouTube and Snapchat currently lack this ability. Instagram has clearly borrowed from Facebook Live’s ability to link in friends to streams. That feature rolled out to all users in May.
Facebook recently announced Instagram’s growth continues to increase. In its quarterly earnings report, the company confirmed the network now has over 250 million active daily users.
