Instagram, the photo and video sharing app acquired by Facebook, announced today that they launched a new feature to support private sharing through Instagram Direct.
Instagram pointed out that there will be moments in our lives that we want to share, that will only be most relevant to a smaller group of people, thus this feature.
On their blog, Instagram wrote the steps to use this feature:
When you open Instagram, you’ll now see a new icon in the top right corner of your home feed. Tap it to open your inbox where you’ll see photos and videos that people have sent to you. To send a photo or video to specific people, tap the camera button to enter the same simple photo or video capture and editing screens. At the top of the share screen, you’ll see the option to share with your followers (“Followers”) or to send to specific people (“Direct”). To send using Direct, tap the names of the people you want to send your photo or video to, write your caption, tap “send” and you’re done.
Instagram added that the photo and video will be received immediately from people you follow. Photos and videos from people you don't follow can send you but a request notification will appear - enabling you to decide if you want to view it or not.
I think this is another step to data collection for monetization - a typical thing about apps. Promoting everything publicly at the first phase and then giving privacy control to users once they get huge database of users. I'm predicting ads (sponsored posts) too will probably appear here soon. A couple if months ago, Instagram did announce that they will slowly introduce sponsored photos and videos. With the promise of giving users the ultimate control over the experience, Instagram opened another door to more and better insights on how users use their app and that data can be another sounding place for "targeted ads" in the coming month/s. Hey it's business after all. For whatever it's worth, cheers to Instagram for a great app!
Cheers!
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