Instagram unveils new feature to ease isolation during pandemic

SAN FRANCISCO: Instagram unveiled a new feature allowing users to connect more easily over video and shared content as part of a move to ease isolation stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

The social network launched media sharing, a new feature that allows viewing Instagram posts together with your friends over video chat. Users can start a video chat by tapping the video chat icon in the Direct inbox or in an existing Direct thread, then view saved, liked and suggested photos or videos by tapping the photo icon in the bottom left corner in an ongoing video chat.

The social network also announced new efforts to promote reliable content about the outbreak and stop the spread of misinformation.  Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, said the “co-watching” feature allows people to connect around online content while video chatting. This is important with many people around the world cut off from friends and family due to stay at home orders.

“We can play a role in helping to sort of combat that loneliness,” he said, adding that the company is not seeing a coordinated misinformation effort but “bad advice” and unproven remedies.

Introducing Co-Watching, a new way to see Instagram posts together with your friends over video chat.👀 pic.twitter.com/ObLnqxbUTS

— Instagram (@instagram) March 24, 2020

The service also announced it would ramp up efforts to deliver verified information and stamp out hoaxes. As a result, Instagram directs users to information from the World Health Organisation and local health ministries.

Instagram said it would also add “stickers” that signify verified coronavirus information and would remove content about health claims to provide the mispread of information unless posted by a credible health organisation. These new features include reminders to wash your hands, distance yourself from others and more. 

Instagram also added a notice at the top of feed for countries affected by COVID-19. The notice includes reliable resources from expert health organizations. It has also been highlighting resources from these organisations when people view related hashtags.

This week we added a COVID-19 section to our Donation sticker so you can find related nonprofits more easily. We’re also making the sticker available in additional countries.❤️https://t.co/ftsBDk2PFM pic.twitter.com/EUlW1LUbKI

— Instagram (@instagram) March 25, 2020

Instagram has already prohibited misleading ads for products that refer to COVID-19 in ways intended to create urgency, guarantee cures or prevent people from contracting it, and have temporarily banned advertisements and branded content that promote certain medical supplies, including face masks.

The social network also said it would offer links to donations for nonprofit organizations and offer tips for social distancing. The initiative follows similar efforts by Facebook on its core social platform as well as on its Messenger and WhatsApp services and by other platforms such as YouTube and Twitter.