Introducing Instagram Direct

Instagram just announced Instagram Direct, the new way to send photo and video messages to friends. The announcement was made by Kevin Systrom himself during a livestreamed video event.

There are moments in our lives that we want to share, but that will be the most relevant only to a smaller group of people—an inside joke between friends captured on the go, a special family moment or even just one more photo of your new puppy. Instagram Direct helps you share these moments.

The announcement on the official blog stated how Instagram Direct was built to feel natural to the Instagram experience you already know.

When you open Instagram, you’ll now see a new icon in the top right corner of your home feed. Tap it to open your inbox where you’ll see photos and videos that people have sent to you. To send a photo or video to specific people, tap the camera button to enter the same simple photo or video capture and editing screens. At the top of the share screen, you’ll see the option to share with your followers (“Followers”) or to send to specific people (“Direct”). To send using Direct, tap the names of the people you want to send your photo or video to, write your caption, tap “send” and you’re done.

Instagram Direct, the new way to send photo and video messages to friends. #instagram

Click To Tweet

Also Read: Around the World with 852 Instagramers

For more information on how to use Instagram Direct you can check out help.instagram.com.

Instagram for iOS version 5.0 is available today for download in Apple’s App Store, and Instagram for Android version 5.0 is available today on Google Play. Instagram for Windows Phone is in beta. Stay tuned for future updates.