Back in 2012, Facebook bought Instagram, andit was only a matter of time before the public photo-sharing app got someupgrades and changes. While Instagram users can still share photos to theirfollowers via a public feed, Instagram is now offering a new feature that isthought to be a huge competitor to SnapChat: .
Details
By using Instagram Direct, users can nowshare photos privately with their family and friends rather than all of theirfollowers. Kevin Systrom, one of the co-founders of Instagram, called InstagramDirect a "status message in pixels." One reason this was developed wasso that people could share images more privately. Unlike Snapchat, the imagesdon't disappear right after they're viewed. Rather, these photo memories arefor you to keep, a sentiment that has long been important to Instagram.
How toUse It
Instagram Direct functions much like theapplication has always functioned. Once you open Instagram, look for a new iconon your home screen. This is your message inbox where followers andnon-followers alike can send you private photos.
When you hit the camera button, you can thenchoose which filtered photo or video to send. In the sharing section of theapp, you can either choose to share with "followers," which is how you'dregularly share your images with your Instagram feed, or "direct," where youcan choose to send your photo to just one person or a small group.
In "direct," you can simply tap the names ofrecipients, add a caption to your photo and hit send. This is a wonderfulfeature whether you want to share an inside joke with your friends or if you'rean looking to expandyour base of followers as you can directly send images to followers and non-followersalike. If someone you don't know sends you a photo, you can choose whether ornot to view it in the "requests" section of Instagram.
Once the photo or video is sent, theconversation keeps going. Just like elsewhere on Instagram, people can likeyour photo, and you'll be able to see your friends and family comment inreal-time. The only difference is your choice of audience.
HowInstagram Direct Is Going to Change Social Media
While Instagram Direct may be a competitorto SnapChat, it also shows a growing shift in how people want social media tofunction. Just as Facebook gives users the opportunity to make their profiles,status updates and photos private, Instagram Direct gives users a bit moreprivacy. This "direct" functionality is a less public way to interact becauseit gives users a way to share only with the people they care about.
Rather than just images of food populating your Instagram,users can now receive meaningful images that don't need to be shared with the wholeworld. They're a visual greeting of sorts, whether it's a photo of your dog oryour kids, or the way your friend's hair looked when they rolled out of bed inthe morning. After all, who else besides your family and friends would want tosee that image?