Facebook-owned photo-sharing app Instagram has rolled out a new update which adds a host of new features to the app. The suite of new features include support for sharing images from the users feed using Direct, respond to a photo with a photo and more.
Instagram users can now send content from their Instagram feed as a Direct Message. Previously, Instagram Direct was limited to original photographs to share with others.
Users can share photos directly with one another, and clicking that photo will bring the user back to the source. They can add up to 15 people to a direct message. By clicking the arrow button under the picture, users can share it with their group.
The feature is an attempt to cut down on the number of @-mentions below videos and posts to draw attention to a particular photo. According to the company, nearly 40 percent of comments include an @-mention.
In addition, users can now send photos and videos in an existing message thread, instead of needing to create a new conversation every time they share a photo or video using Instagram Direct. They can also now send quick replies with selfies directly to the group.
Users can also share locations and hashtag pages using the new reshare arrow, located alongside the like and comment icons on photos and videos, or in the top-right-hand corner of location or hashtag pages.
Furthermore, users can now also add names to their messaging groups. And there’s a new quick camera feature which will let users reply to messages with a fast selfie, and extra-large emojis “for when there are just no words.”.
Instagram has assured users that the photos sent using Instagram Direct will remain only visible to members involved in the conversation, with content from protected accounts remaining private.
Instagram for iOS version 7.5 is currently available for download in Apple’s App Store, and Instagram for Android version 7.5 is available on Google Play.
