Both Facebook and Instagram are testing out new features in limited, tech-savvy markets (namely Russia, Poland, and Australia) before potentially rolling them out to more countries. Here's what you need to know.
Facebook Messenger Day
In the Messenger app, you’ll be able to post Snapchat-like photos and videos to friends. The content will last 24 hours, same as Snapchat, and have filters and stickers (a huge amount of stickers from what I’m told). Here are a few examples from one of my friends back home in Australia. You will be able to choose whether the video is viewable by all of your friends, or you can send it directly to a select few (the same as Snapchat).
Go Insta!
Meanwhile, Instagram is testing out live video as part of Instagram Stories. Presumably these will be similar to Periscope or Facebook Live, although there is no word on whether the video will only be available while it's being streamed or whether you'll be able to play it back for 24 hours like Instagram Stories. They’ll be accessible via the Stories area, and once you’re live, your friends and followers will see a red ‘live’ notification over your story in the top bar. Take a look.
Leave a comment and let me know what you think of the new features and if you're planning on using them if they are released in more countries.