After rolling out a feature in October that allowed friends on Instagram to live stream together, the photo sharing app in a new update is adding the option to request to join a friend’s live stream.
Here is how it works.
Now when you are watching a friend’s live video, simply tap the “Request” button in the comments section. After confirmation of the request you will have a moment to prepare and once you are live, the screen will split in half. You can leave the live video at any time, making it easy to join for a quick hello or a longer chat.
If you streaming your own live video, you can easily see requests from friends who would like to join. The requests will be visible in the comments section and just tap the “View” button and then choose to add your friend or cancel the request.
The new icon with two smiley faces will also have a red number showing how many requests you have. Tap the icon, and you’ll see both requests and current viewers. You can either accept a request or invite any viewer to join you.
You can remove a guest and add someone else at any time. When you’re done, you can share your live video to stories, or choose “Discard” and your live video will disappear from the app as usual.
These updates are available as part of Instagram version 24 available for iOS in the Apple App Store and for Android in Google Play.
In September, Instagram added new face filters while sharing live video on Instagram. Whether you’re channeling a kitten or want to add some stars or rainbow light to your face, you can easily try on face filters while connecting with friends and followers in the moment.
