Instagram Going Head To Head With YouTube With IGTV

Instagram has officially announced its new long-form video effort, IGTV. IGTV is the social platforms vision for bringing “audiences closer to the creators they love.” The new platform will allow creators to share videos up to one hour in length.Here’s how Instagram describes IGTV:

“We are re-envisioning mobile video with a new standalone surface that features longer videos and easy discoverability through channels, all in a vertical format that sits upright, in the palm of your hand.”

Instagram notes on its new website promoting IGTV that mobile video content will make up for almost 80% of all mobile data traffic within three years. It also adds that young viewers watch more amateur content.

Instagram Now Has Live Streaming To Your Stories

Instagram announced that it's adding live video broadcasting to the app (which is now live). To start broadcasting, just go to your Stories camera and swipe over to "Live" mode. Viewers will know you're live with the "live" badge over your Story icon. From what we can tell, the interface is very similar to that of Periscope and Facebook Live. You can leave comments and tap the Heart button to send floating hearts into view. It should be noted that you can't access archived videos for later viewing. So if you don't want to miss those Instagram Live videos. Instagram is also populating its Explore page with "Top Live" videos that it hopes will highlight the most popular live stories at any given time.

Instagram Allowing Users To Filter Words Out Of Comments

Instagram has announced that anyone can now filter their comments to keep unwanted words or people out. It's just a matter of choosing the right keywords and you’ll be good to go. Check out the full article on the Instagram blog. Thoughts ?

Instagram Stories' Camera Controls Are Even More Like Snapchat Now

Instagram now includes camera features thank to an update for both iOS and Android. Instagram now lets you swipe up and down to zoom while you're recording a video, similar to that “other” social app. The iOS version also lets you double tap to switch cameras in mid-clip. What do you think of this update ?

Instagram Launches Instagram Stories (AKA Snapchat 2.0)

It looks like Instagram is copying one of Snapchat's most popular features: stories. "Instagram Stories" allows you to post as many photos and videos as you'd like in a slideshow format. You won't have to worry about them being in your Instagram feed, as the stories will disappear in 24 hours (where have I seen this before ?). You'll find stories from friends and popular accounts in a navigation bar at the top of your Instagram feed. Once you tap one, you can move back and forth through the slideshows at your own pace. You’ll only be able to send a private message to the author with Instagram Stories. I don’t see why some people are complaining that Instagram copied Snapchat. No everyone has Snapchat and this is a great way for people to experience those types of features. What do you think ?  

Instagram Gets A Makeover

The Instagram app has received an update, featuring a new app icon and a UI makeover. The video below provides a fun look at the process behind the design of the icon. The colorful gradient color scheme has made it to the other Instagram apps as well, including Layout,Boomerang and Hyperlapse. Some love the redesign, while others hate it. While I don’t personally see the issues with the update, you have to remember that it’s just an app that you use. I know everyone hates changes, but it’s what pushes us forward. What do you think of the redesign ?

A New Look for Instagram from Instagram on Vimeo.

10 Year Old Hacker Gets $10,000 For Finding Flaw With Instagram

A 10 year old hacker just got $10,000 from Facebook for discovering a major flaw in Instagram. The boy found he was able to alter code on Instagram’s servers and was able to delete comments posted by any account. “I would have been able to eliminate anyone, even Justin Bieber”. He proved this by deleting a comment Instagram had posted on a test account. “The problem lay in a private application programming interface that wasn’t properly checking the person deleting the comment was the same one who posted it,” reports Forbes. Jani uncovered the flaw early this year, and Facebook confirmed the bug was patched in early February. Jani’s payout, which was issued in March, makes him the youngest hacker to claim Facebook’s bug bounty. The title was previously held by a 13 year old. Jani plans to spend his earnings on a bike, a football, and new computers for his brothers.  

You Can Now Upload 60 Second Clips To Instagram

Instagram has announced support for longer  videos. Starting today users can now upload 60 second clips. Previously, users were limited to only sharing 15 second clips. On iOS, Instagram is also bringing back the ability to make videos using multiple clips from the user’s camera roll. What do you think of this announcement ?