Instagram has launched a new feature called co-watching that lets users browse Instagram together while 'social distancing' to help contain the spread of coronavirus. This comes at a time when isolation has become the new reality and people are looking for ways to socialize remotely through social media, video calling applications and other means.
Governments around the world are enforcing lockdowns to keep people off the streets and this is likely to continue for the next few weeks as everyone attempts to reduce the spread of the outbreak. This also means much of the socialization will have to happen online. Consequently, video chats have become even more important to everyday life with apps like Skype and Zoom seeing an increase in usage, albeit with an increase in issues like Zoombombing as well. In addition, new services have also launched recently to provide additional ways to chat online, such as Around which looks to offer a neater video experience. With all this in mind, it makes sense for Instagram to also have launched a feature specifically designed to help remote socializing.
Instagram's blog posting explained the arrival of the new co-watching feature. This comes alongside a number of other updates that are happening, and all with the coronavirus outbreak in mind. For example, a feature that shows a message and links to the World Health Organization when searching for information on the pandemic, as well as stickers that remind users to wash their hands, to practice social distancing, and for identifying important non-profit organizations to donate to. Instagram will also be removing accounts named COVID-19 and content on the outbreak not shared by credible health organizations.
You Can Now Video Chat And Browse Instagram Together
The big long term change is the co-watching feature which lets those participating in a video chat explore Instagram posts together. A user can start a video chat in Instagram with the video chat icon in the individual chat threads or create a multi-person chat by tapping the icon in inbox. Once a chat starts, users will see a 'posts' icon at the bottom of the screen which presents a list of posts they have shared, liked or been suggested. Users can then select from this and share it with those who are participating in the video chat. This will put the selected post in the middle of the user's screen while chat windows minimize and line up below.
With so many people social distancing, this is bound to be a popular feature with Instagram users, and especially if the various lockdowns last longer than expected. In fact, Instagram is not the only choice for those looking for an exciting video-chat experience. Users can also give the Houseparty app a try, as that appears to have become a highly popular app during the coronavirus outbreak.
Source: Instagram