Instagram is expanding its array of features with the introduction of video statuses, allowing users to share brief 2-second clips. Unlike the well-known ‘Stories’ feature, video notes have a fixed time limit, can only be recorded using the front camera within the Instagram app, and cannot be uploaded from the user’s phone storage. Once posted, these video notes will be visible to close friends and mutual followers for a duration of 24 hours.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the new video status feature:
- Open Instagram and navigate to your inbox.
- Click on your photo in the Notes tray and tap on the camera button.
- Tap on record to capture your 2-second video using the front-facing camera.
- Optionally, add text to provide context to your video, and then post it.
In addition to the video status feature, Instagram is enhancing user interactions by introducing the ability to reply to notes with more than just text. Users can now respond with audio, photos, videos, and stickers, providing a more dynamic and expressive way to engage with shared content. Replies in the form of emojis or photos will be sent directly to the receiver’s inbox.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), also announced potential generative AI features for Facebook and Instagram users. These features, based on Emu, Meta’s foundational model for image generation, include Emu Video and Emu Edit.
Emu Edit is designed to offer precise image editing by modifying only the pixels relevant to the user’s request. Meta describes it as capable of free-form editing through instructions, encompassing tasks such as local and global editing, background removal and addition, color and geometry transformations, detection and segmentation, and more.
Another upcoming feature is Emu Video, which empowers users to create videos using text prompts, images, or a combination of both. This new capability adds a creative dimension to video creation on the platform.
As Instagram continues to evolve and introduce innovative features, the integration of video statuses and the upcoming Emu-powered features demonstrate the platform’s commitment to providing users with dynamic and engaging ways to express themselves.
