Instagram Receives Major Update with New Video Chat Capabilities and More

• A host of features that were announced last month by Instagram went live today for Android and iOS users.
• Video Chat is now available for users and supports cross-platform video chat across Android and iOS devices as well.
• A new Topics channel has also been added to the Explore tab, allowing users to find topics of their interests on the social media platform.

Instagram introduced a host of new features for Android and iOS users last month which went live today. Updating your phone to the latest version of the social media app will allow you to check out the Topics channels in the Explore tab, new camera filters for Instagram Stories as well as a video chat for Instagram Direct.

The video chat feature is highly intuitive and allows users to have one-on-one video chats or with an entire group of up to four people. The feature is designed to replicate the feeling of a private space according to the app developers. The video chat feature for Instagram Direct is cross-platform and users can chat between Android and iOS devices seamlessly. To start a video call simply head to the Direct inbox and fire up any message thread. You will notice a new camera icon which can be tapped to start a video call. The app also allows you to multitask as you keep a small video chat pop-up open on your phone.

The Explore tab already got a revamp recently with full-length videos being introduced to the platform. With the latest update, users will now be able to filter through content very easily using the Topics feature that suggests the most popular and recommended topics for you. It makes it easier for users to browse through the accounts that they follow as well as discover new content. Users also have the ability to ‘mute’ a topic which removes the button for the topic altogether.

Lastly, the app also received numerous camera effects for Stories including designs by Buzzfeed, Liza Koshy, NBA and other popular social media influencers on the platform. Simply tapping the face icon on the in-app camera will allow users to discover the new effects.

Have you tried out the new update yet? Let us know in the comments below. Get instant updates on TechNadu’s Facebook page, or Twitter handle.