Instagram introduced live video streaming and vanishing private photos and videos in a challenge to rival Snapchat. The company said it had more than 1 billion monthly active users as of the end of last year, up from about 750 million at its peak. By doing so, the company hopes to make live video more about "hanging out" than broadcasting, according to Instagram's Head of Product Kevin Weil. Meanwhile, its private messaging feature Instagram Direct will allow users to send photos and video which will disappear after they are seen.
Instagram introduced live video streaming and vanishing private photos and videos in a challenge to rival Snapchat. Live video on Instagram Stories - which has 100 million daily active users - will disappear after 24 hours. By doing so, the company hopes to make live video more about "hanging out" than broadcasting, according to Instagram's Head of Product Kevin Weil. Meanwhile, its private messaging feature Instagram Direct will allow users to send photos and video which will disappear after they are seen.