Instagram after the announcement of IGTV is launching two more new features, one for video calls via chat and the other for adding filters in AR to Stories
Instagram is starting to introduce for its users some new features that the developers of the social media had already presented at the annual conference F8, which was held in early May 2018. We are talking about the possibility of making video calls between followers and new filters for photos.
While some users still have to get used to the novelty of IGTV, Instagram’s vertical TV, the developers are again updating the algorithms of the social photo platform. The new version of Instagram will allow us to make video calls with our followers and also add augmented reality filters to our photos. Instagram in the coming months will also begin a revolutionary path regarding the design and graphical interface of the application that will lead to a final new experience for the user. In short, Instagram after reaching one billion active users does not intend to relax, indeed.
How to make video calls on Instagram
To start making a video call on Instagram all we have to do is go to the Direct section, that is, the one where our chats with contacts and our responses to friends’ Stories are stored. We have two methods to go to the Direct section, or click on the top right of the icon of the paper airplane or scroll to the right with your finger on the screen of the smartphone from the home page of Instagram. With the new feature we will be able to make a video call with a single user or expand the chat up to four people at once. Beware, however, video calls can only be made within conversations already started with another user and only with one of our followers.
How to use the new Instagram AR filters
As mentioned, in the new Instagram update are also included the new augmented reality filters to make our photos in the Stories more fun. Using them is very simple, first we open the section dedicated to Stories. To do this we can either click on the icon at the top left of the home page or swipe left on the screen of our phone. Then we’ll have to press on the smiley icon to start viewing all the filters, including the new ones in AR. These new filters are especially inspired by great stars of sports or music. For example, we will be able to turn into LeBron James or Ariana Grande. Also with the new update if we see in the Stories of others a filter that we like we can click on it to know what it’s called and find it easily when we have to publish a Story.
In addition to the novelty of the filters also changes the search for photos and Stories on Instagram. Now the Explore section, to understand the one marked by the magnifying glass, will be divided into categories. In practice, if we want to see photos of travel, cooking or animals we’ll just click on the appropriate category that indexes by topics.