Skip to main content

Instagram testing new two-person live stream video feature 

Live video broadcasting has become a standard feature in apps like Facebook and YouTube since being popularized by Meerkat then Periscope, and now Instagram is looking to take the feature to the next step. Instagram is starting to test two-person live broadcasting for select users with a new split-screen layout.

Refinery29 says the new group live stream feature will start appearing for some users today before the feature launches to everyone:

The feature will roll out as a trial to a randomly selected group of people today, and will test for the next few months before officially rolling out.

Instagram’s expanded live video broadcasting video is limited to two simultaneous users, but hosts are able to change guests without interrupting a broadcast. The only limit is broadcast duration which is currently set at 60 minutes.

And just like single video broadcasts on Instagram, users can share live streams to Instagram Stories after the broadcast for followers to rewatch within 24 hours.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the select group of users picked to test the new feature, simply look for the new faces icon on the bottom right of the Live camera in Instagram. Then pick which contact you want to broadcast with and select add to send an invitation to join your live stream.

Aside from two-person live video streaming, Instagram has also been testing a new way to share photos and videos with select contacts this summer. Instagram also has a new user this week, Apple, which has been busy posting #ShotoniPhone photos and Stories.

Instagram is available for free on the App Store.


Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.