Instagram has launched a Live video functionality.
The company rolled out the feature on Monday for U.S. consumers, allowing them to broadcast what they are doing at all times live. The move is designed to help the company compete with Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) and Snapchat as both companies have live video features that have been wildly successful, allowing users to share their lives to the general public or their followers only.
The new Instagram creation is different from its Stories feature, that allows you to share a series of videos that make up your day, but these disappear after 24 hours. However, Instagram Live video now can be linked together with the Stories section of the app if you’d like to connect the two.
Some users are criticizing the move, claiming it is not necessary as Facebook and Snapchat already have well-functioning features that serve the same purpose.
Videos and pictures posted on Snapchat exist for up to 24 hours after you upload them, while Facebook Live videos stay up for however long users choose. With Instagram Live video, videos can only be seen while you are broadcasting them as they will disappear immediately after.
You can access accounts that you’re not necessarily following on the app. There is a section where live videos exist on Instagram now, allowing users to discover different accounts.
FB shares is up 2.9% Tuesday.
