Instagram Rolls Out Update That Will Bring Group Video Call, Improved 'Explore' Page, New Camera Effects

Instagram users can now call multiple friends at the same time, thanks to the app’s new group video chat feature. The social media company has also launched an array of new camera effects along with improvements to the Explore page.

The Facebook-owned social media platform announced on Tuesday the newest Instagram feature which allows users to initiate a conference video call with their friends. It can be accessed through the Direct inbox page and will only work on pre-existing group chats.

To start a group video call, users have to open the message thread they have with the friends they would like contact and simply tap the camera icon on the upper right corner of the screen. There is no time cap to the length of every conversation.

The video call screen can also be minimized and pushed to the side so users can continue browsing their Instagram feed or even post new photos and stories as they talk with their friends. Meanwhile, video call requests will not push through if an Instagram friend has blocked or muted the caller.

Currently, the feature can only accommodate a maximum of four people, which might be a relatively small capacity compared to others. TechCrunch notes that the same feature on Snapchat allows up to 16 participants while up to 32 people can simultaneously talk on FaceTime once iOS 12 goes live. As for Facebook Messenger, the video call can be joined by six friends while up to 50 others can join by listening to the call.

Instagram’s Explore page has also been updated to show post recommendations that are more relevant to the user’s interests. A very noticeable addition is the section for Topic Channels seen below the search bar.

Topic Channels are tiles for genres or categories that users can open to find photos and updates relevant to their interests. If a user does not find certain topics interesting, there is an option to “Mute” those channels.

Lastly, Instagram has partnered with several celebrities and media organizations who have designed new AR camera effects for the app that were also launched on Tuesday. For example, Liza Koshy (with over 16.6 million Instagram followers) made a filter of a flying mustache with a pair of heavy, bushy eyebrows. This was obviously inspired by her fan-favorite on-screen alter ego, Jet Packinski.