Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom has confirmed that live video will be coming to the social network. Although there is no indication yet as to when these features will arrive, reports have suggested that live broadcasts will appear within users’ Stories carousels.
At the beginning of the year many were citing 2016 as a new era of live video – although we had technically already had live video streaming for a great deal of years. The widespread availability of Smartphone technology has made it easier and and more accessible for users to take advantage of new social networking features.
It was really only a matter of time before Instagram got involved – especially when you consider the significant developments to its capabilities throughout the second half of the year. These have included curated video channels, the addition of Stories and more recently the testing of enhanced e-commerce capabilities. Systrom confirmed the development of lives streaming implementation in an interview with the Financial Times.
Live is really exciting for us. I think it can enhance what we’re doing. If I’m trying to strengthen relationships with someone I love, them streaming video to me live would be an amazing way to be closer to them.
There’s is currently little indication whether or not, or even how, live streaming on Instagram will tie in with Facebook. Photos posted on Instagram are often shared directly through to Facebook, but not the other way around. In this way, traditionally it has been something of an add-on, support network. However, if one thing is for sure Instagram is getting serious and way more substantial a player in the world of social networking. Only time will tell.
While we still don’t know when Insta-Live (not a confirmed name, but totally what it should be called) will arrive, the feature was reportedly leaked by a Russian user who discovered it while testing a beta version of the app.
