Instagram users, rejoice! A new update is on the way, and it's already looking like a game changer. On Monday, Instagram announce the ability to use live video in Instagram Stories — but knowing what we do about Instagram Stories, this development has prompted a very important question: Do live videos in Instagram Stories disappear? Or are they saved on our profile or feed just like normal Instagram videos? Inquiring minds want to know!
Instagram Stories debuted in August, giving us a whole new way to share each moment of our day: Via slideshows that disappear after 24 hours. Ever since the feature's initial release, Instagram has continued updating it, adding new features and functionalities, like being able to add links and mentions — and now, we'll be able to broadcast live in our Stories, too, in an addition that's sort of like Snapchat crossed with Periscope or Facebook Live. Neat, right?
And therein lies the answer to our initial question: According to Instagram's recent blog post, Instagram Stories live videos will disappear after the fact, similarly to Snapchat. Also not unlike Snapchat, you'll receive a notification if your friends screenshot your Instagram Story live video; you'll also be able to see how many people are viewing your video while you broadcast it.
While it's always worth remembering that nothing you post on the Internet is truly private — always use caution when sharing images or videos, even if your account is locked or set to private — it's also reassuring to know that these videos do disappear once you're done streaming them. They're nicely in-the-moment, if you know what I mean.
So, how do you know if you've received the update to broadcast live videos with Instagram Stories? The update will be rolled out soon, so if your phone doesn't automatically update, make sure you check out the App store and install the update there.
Once your app is updated, you can access the live video option pretty easily. The first thing you do is swipe "right" in the app as you would to post a normal Instagram Story. Alongside the options we have for "Normal" and "Boomerang," users will see an additional option for "Live." As you stream, some of your friends will be notified that you are live, and your story will be labeled as "Live" the entire time you're streaming.
Also good to notice: You can leave comments on Instagram Stories live videos! You have the option to "turn off" commenting on your Stories, but otherwise, you can expect users to leave some comments on your footage. If you want to find what videos other people are posting live, Instagram makes this super easy, too. Go to the "Explore" tab as you normally do, and you should see a new "Top Love" tab. Simple as that!
Happy streaming, y'all!
Images: Alexey Kuzma/Stocksy
