Facebook-owned Instagram has rolled out a new feature called Co-Watching that allows users to browse Instagram together during a video call. Instagram now provides more educational resources on its search results related to coronavirus. The company is also removing unofficial or less creditable contents and accounts from recommendations to promote accurate information about coronavirus.
Instagram users can now scroll Instagram posts together over a video chat. To start a video chat, tap on the video chat icon, in the Direct inbox. During a video call, a photo icon will appear at the bottom of the screen. Users can tap the icon to view saved, liked and suggested photos or videos. Using this feature, up to six people can view Instagram posts together.
Instagram has created a shared story to help self-isolated peoples to connect with others using a Stay Home sticker. Instagram announced in a blog post, “Any accounts you follow who use the sticker will be added to a shared Instagram story, allowing you to see how others are practicing social distancing at this time.”
Instagram now provides more information about COVID-19 on its search results. Now, users searching for coronavirus related information will see educational messages and resources from the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health organizations. Instagram is also removing COVID-19 accounts from the account recommendations and contents unless the post is from a creditable source. Over the coming weeks, these features will be available to all users.
