Instagram Launches New Features That Sound Very Similar to Facebook and Snapchat Tools

Instagram announced Monday that it will soon begin offering two new features: live video and disappearing photos and videos for group direct messages. Live video is clearly taking a cue from the very popular Live option on Facebook, and along with the stories feature Instagram recently released, disappearing photos and videos are main components of Snapchat.

In a blog post the app company published Monday, Instagram says, "It’s easy to go live — just swipe right from feed to open the camera, tap the 'Start Live Video' button and start sharing for up to an hour. Your friends may get a notification when you go live so they can tune in. While you’re live, you can pin a comment for everyone to see or turn comments off altogether."

Live stories will begin worldwide roll-out over the next couple of weeks, according to the blog post.

As for the new disappearing photo and video feature for direct messages, Instagram says that DMs have become increasingly popular among Instagram users. "Since launching improvements to Instagram Direct last year, the number of people using Direct each month has grown from 80 million to 300 million people around the world," according to the blog.

"Swipe right into the camera to take a photo or video," in order to initiate a disappearing photo or video message, the blog says. "Then tap the arrow to send it privately. You can choose a group or create one in just a few taps — and you can also send to individual friends at the same time."

The blog states that disappearing DMs will be available beginning Monday.