Not even a month has gone by since Instagram launched its Snapchat-like feature, Stories, and it’s already released two new video features on the platform. The features arrived silently within a routine update of the mobile Instagram app, and while neither will actually change much in how we use the platform, they are certainly important.
I was updating my Instagram app yesterday, and as I was looking through the new features brought to the app, I noticed two that sounded familiar – and important.
Zoom While Recording Video On Instagram
The first of these, was the ability to zoom while recording video. All you have to do is swipe up or down, to zoom in or out. Anyone creating and posting videos on Instagram knows that this was not possible on the platform. Until now. On Snapchat it’s been available for ages, and that’s why it sounded familiar.
If you like our stories, there is an easy way to stay up to date:
Follow @wersm
Switch Between Front And Back Cameras
The second feature of the update which is also familiar for the same reason (it’s been available on Snapchat for over a year) gives users the ability to switch between their device’s front and back cameras, while shooting a video. To do so, you simply double tap on the screen while recording.
Both features are not super important to most users, as they have made do without them for so many years. They are however very important because they prove just how much Instagram is emulating Snapchat. And that is probably why Instagram launched them silently, rather than making a big deal about them.
The update is available on both iOS and Android since Monday.
If you like our stories, there is an easy way to stay up to date:
Follow @wersm
You might also like
More from Instagram
Instagram Is Defaulting Under 16 Users Into Private Accounts
Instagram has announced a range of changes to protect young people on its platform, including defaulting certain accounts to private.
Instagram Reels Can Now Last Up To 60 Seconds
Instagram has just doubled the maximum length for Reels which can now be up to 60 seconds long.
Instagram Now Lets All Users Save Stories As Drafts
Following testing, Instagram is now allowing all users the ability to save their Stories as drafts for future use.
Instagram Tests New ‘Collab’ Feature That Lets Two Accounts Post Together
Instagram is testing a new feature that will allow two users to collaborate on publishing Feed Posts and Reels.
Instagram Now Automatically Translates Texts In Stories In 90 Languages
Instagram has allowed translation in 60 languages on posts and captions since 2016. Now it is translating text in Stories …
Instagram Introduces Sensitive Content Control Options
Instagram now allows users to control how much sensitive content they see on Explore with several new options.
Instagram Increases Insights Date Range From 30 To 60 Days
Instagram announced a new calendar tool with a reporting timeframe doubled from 30 to 60 days; promises to increase to …
This New Instagram Tool Helps Users Recover Hacked Accounts
Instagram has released a new in-app tool that helps users recover hacked Instagram accounts, directly from the app.
Instagram Is No Longer Just A Photo-Sharing App
According to Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, the Facebook-owned platform is no longer just a photo-sharing app.
