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It was discussed during Facebook's F8 event last May. And today Facebook and Instagram begin to fulfill their commitment: the photography and video social network also allows video calls A feature that significantly evolves the communication features of Instagram, and that blurs the lines between social network and messaging app. At the moment it seems that it is being deployed gradually, but iPhone users and some Android terminals already have the function available.
As expected, this is a simple feature for two-way communication. It basically consists of transmitting video and sound live and direct, and also receiving it. In addition, as seen in other applications such as WhatsApp, it is possible to make video calls with only one contact or with up to three other people A real chicken coop, but one that is being a trend in current messaging applications.
You can now video chat in Instagram Direct, either 1:1 or in a group. Learn more here: https://t.co/UxH6D2B7Xa pic.twitter.com/uJ8p7kG6aU
- Instagram (@instagram) June 26, 2018
How does it work
The system is simple, and is fully integrated into Instagram Direct To find out if you also have the video call, all you have to do is open one of the conversations on the paper plane icon in the upper right corner.Later, in the same corner, but within the chat, you will find the icon of a camcorder. If it is available, just press it to start the call.
Automatically activates the selfie camera while trying to connect with that user. He receives a notification on his mobile through Instagram Direct, from where he can pick up the call if he wishes. If you accept it, communication is established and both people share an image in a 1:1 ratio (square image) with their faces And that's it, talk as if you were in the same room.
The interesting thing is that you can also use it in groups Simply access the group conversation and repeat the process by clicking on the icon of the camera. If you are late for the conversation and the video call is already in progress, you will see that the icon is displayed in blue.Click on it and join to show your image and audio together with three other people.
You should know that, during the video call, you can continue using Instagram without any problem. You just have to minimize the image and use the application as usual. Meanwhile, the video call continues in the lower right corner of the screen, being able to see the miniaturized action. Or even better: you can click on this thumbnail again to go to picture-in-picture mode, being able to move the box to any side of the screen so that it doesn't bother.
Along with this we find the usual functions in a video call. By clicking on the lower icon of the camera we can cancel the sending of video at any time if we do not want to show ourselves. Of course, the audio continues to transmit unless we click on the microphone icon.In that case we mute our audio so as not to send a signal. Very useful when you want some privacy during a video call.
Of course there is also a video call record. These are marked in the Instagram Direct conversations, knowing who has launched a video call and if it was picked up or not.
How to block video calls
If what you need is privacy and to avoid constant video calls, Instagram has its own resources. On the one hand, there is the blocking of that contact, which is the most radical measure. And it is that the contacts we have blocked cannot make video calls with us.
However, it is also possible to prevent receiving video call notifications. Simply deselect this option from the Settings menu in the Settings tab profile. In this way we will not be disturbed and it will not be necessary to block the user.
