(Pocket-Lint) – Instagram offers its direct messaging tool, Instagram Direct, as a feature of video chat.
With video chat, you can call an individual or a group in real time. It works with friends who are already on Instagram for iOS or Android and do not need a phone number. Here’s how it works.
How to video chat on Instagram
- Tap the message arrow icon at the top right of the feed.
- Tap a username or group name to open a conversation.
- You can start a new conversation by tapping the pencil icon in the top right and selecting People.
- Tap the video icon at the top right. The person or group you are calling will receive a notification.
So, to start a video chat, swipe directly to your inbox and open any message thread. There will be a camera icon in the right corner – tap it. This will call your friend. If there is an active video chat in a group thread, the camera icon will turn blue. While in video chat, you can shorten the video to browse Instagram, send live messages, post a story, and more.
You can video chat as long as you want. When you’re done, tap the red phone icon at the bottom Remember that the person you received the direct message from can video chat with you. To prevent someone from video calling, you can Block them Or Conversation is silent.
It’s also possible to create a room that will allow you to video chat with other users across Facebook’s platforms, including Facebook Messenger. To create a new video chat room, tap the video icon at the top right of your direct inbox and select the people you want to create a room with.
How to handle video chat notifications
If you want to control your video chat notifications, tap the three lines in the profile and select ‘Settings’. From here, select ‘Notifications’ and then ‘Direct Messages and Calls’. Scroll down to the video chat and select your preferences
Want to know more?
Check out Instagram blog post Or Help Center.
Written by Maggie Tillman. Edited by Britta O’Boyle.