Instagram introduces direct messages for live videos

Instagram has introduced a new feature to its photo-sharing application, which allows users to share live videos via direct messages.

This was announced through a post on the Instagram blog which explained that all it takes to share a live video via messages is a single tap of the Direct icon.

“You can send your own live video — or a live video you’re watching — to a friend or a group of friends to encourage them to join in the fun. When you’re live, just tap the Direct icon at the bottom of the screen and send your live video to friends. You’ll also have this option when going live with a friend. Once sent, the recipient will see your live video in their Direct inbox. Friends can only view your video if you’re currently live. If your live video is over, your friend will see a message saying the video has ended,” the post added.

“If you prefer, you can disable the option to send your live videos in Direct in your stories settings. And if you have a private account, only your followers can view your live video,” it continued.

As a viewer, you can also send a live video to a friend in Direct the same way. While watching a live video, one taps the Direct icon at the bottom of the screen and choose who they want to send it to.

The change makes it easy to invite people to watch live videos and send exciting live videos to friends in real time.

The update is available as part of Instagram version 26 available for iOS in the Apple App Store and for Android in Google Play.