Category: Instagram
Instagram adds Augmented Reality effects tool
Instagram users are to be able to create and publish their own bespoke augmented reality (AR) effects on the social network for the first time. An update to the Instagram app will enable users to create their own virtual effects which can then be added to photos and videos posted to Instagram Stories. Augmented reality…
Instagram introduces in-app charity donations with new sticker
Instagram users can now raise awareness of and donate directly to charities following the introduction of a donation sticker to the Stories section of the social media app. The sticker is placed over a photo or video uploaded to a user’s Instagram Story and enables those who view and then tap it to donate to…
Instagram hopes hiding ‘Likes’ will reduce competition
Instagram has begun hiding likes and video views as part of a trial aimed at removing “the pressure” and shifting the focus to “sharing the things” its users enjoy. A spokeswoman said the trial for some users in countries including Ireland, Italy and Australia was aimed at stopping the platform from feeling “like a competition”.…
Instagram asks bullies to think twice before posting
Instagram has unveiled an anti-bullying initiative following high-profile cases such as the death of British teenager Molly Russell. The social media site has started rolling out a new feature that notifies people before they post that their comment may be considered offensive. Announcing the changes, the company’s chief executive Adam Mosseri said: “We can do…
Instagram probed on impact of photo filters on body image
Senior Instagram executives have said that the social network is looking at the impact appearance-changing photo filters could have on young people’s well-being. The Facebook-owned platform has come under increased scrutiny following a number self-harm incidents. Karina Newton, head of public policy, and Vishal Shah, head of product at Instagram, were asked about the efforts…
Instagram cracks down on hashtags spreading misinformation about vaccines
Instagram is cracking down on misinformation about vaccinations spread across the app by blocking hashtags that draw out “verifiably false” posts about the controversial subject. Inaccurate and misleading anti-vaccination messages on social media are thought to be one of the reasons why vaccination rates have dropped in recent years, with an estimated 169 million children…
Instagram launches #GramFam magazine to offer advice on #examstress
Instagram has launched an online magazine to give students advice and support around mental health during exam season. The Facebook-owned social media platform is working with crisis support service for young people The Mix, and charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm). The online magazine, called #GramFam, features input and advice from a number of celebrities…
Instagram inspires holiday choices, claims easyJet
Instagram has become the travel brochure of choice for many Britons, with more than half (55%) of us booking trips abroad after being inspired by images we've seen on social media, a survey has suggested. Research for easyJet also found nearly one in three travellers (32%) said their biggest priority when considering a foreign destination…
Instagram introduces checkout feature to buy products within app
Instagram has introduced a checkout feature allowing people to buy products directly within the app, as the photo sharing social network looks for new revenue opportunities. The option is only available in the US initially from a selected list of fashion and make-up brands, including H&M, Nike, Prada, Zara and Burberry. Users will be able…
Queen shares her first Instagram post at Science Museum launch
The Queen passed another social media milestone by posting an image on Instagram for the first time as she announced the Science Museum’s new summer exhibition – Top Secret. Touching an iPad screen, she shared an image on the official royal family account of a letter from 19th century inventor and mathematician Charles Babbage to…
