Instagram’s Modification to Livestream Competes with Clubhouse.

As we all know, Instagram is a space that encompasses all forms of digital content which include the features of posting, liking, commenting, sharing, saving, and the number of followers as well as following as the primary criteria of the app. We have also seen creators and influencers go live to build their communities and interact with one another. Although, adding one person to the live stream was the only way out until Instagram allowed users to connect in a group of 4, including the host of the live stream, in March.

Instagram is known to be one of the most popular social media platforms and hence, it keeps modifying the application for a better user-friendly experience while keeping the audience in mind. Therefore, the app has made an update for users to go live and have the liberty to switch their mics or videos off just like Discord, Zoom or Google Meet, for instance. They announced this on Twitter on the 30th of April. 

“By giving people the option to mute their audio or turn off their video, hosts will have added flexibility for their Livestream experience, as the added functionality could help decrease pressure to look or sound a certain way while broadcasting live,” said a spokesperson of Instagram.

The new feature is similar to another app named Clubhouse. Clubhouse is a built-in, audio-only application that was received very well by the audience, initially, as it felt much more intimate than texting. And, even though it will take some time to meet the same expectations that Clubhouse delivers to its audience, Instagram is surely on its way.

Moreover, Facebook, the parent company of Instagram, is also working on launching the audio feature on their Messenger (chat) app and is executing it by experimenting with the Hotline forum.