Dubai: Facebook-owned Instagram is testing a new feature that lets users make video calls, it has been confirmed.
The new functionality will be rolled out globally soon, and the more than 100 million users of the photo-sharing platform will have the option to chat one-on-one or with a small group.
“In the coming weeks, we’ll bring video chat to Instagram and give friends a new way to spend time together – even when they aren’t actually together,” the company said on its official blog.
According to a source, the feature will also be available to users in the UAE, but with issues around voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), it remains to be seen whether or not Instagram’s video call function will suffer the same fate as that of WhatsApp or Facetime and Skype.
So far, only two applications, C’Me and BOTIM have the licence to offer video calling services to residents in the UAE. However, this may change soon as according to reports, the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has been in talks with Apple and Microsoft for the possible lifting of the ban on FaceTime and Skype.
To start a video call on Instagram, users can simply tap the new camera icon at the top of a direct thread. There will be an option to chat with one user or with a small group of friends.
Also another option will let the user minimize the video and continue the chat while doing other things on Instagram.
Instagram has also unveiled other updates that are geared towards making user experience more fun and exciting. From today (Wednesday), IG fans can start sharing their favourite action shots directly from their GoPro app starting onto their Instagram stories.
Another feature being tested is the redesigned Explore. This feature lets users view content in a more organized and easier manner.
