Instagram may soon launch Messenger-style standalone app for messaging, Direct
Instagram is currently testing a new standalone messaging app that will replace the current inbox, which is referred to as Direct. The app is available on Android and iOS in six countries – Chile, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Uruguay. This will be the company’s third chat tool alongside the popular WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Instagram Vice President Kevin Weil announced the plan via a tweet and said, “With hundreds of millions of people using Instagram Direct, today we’re announcing a test of a standalone Direct app. It’s fast, visual, and super fun. Only in six countries to start but can’t wait for you all to try it.”
With hundreds of millions of people using Instagram Direct, today we’re announcing a test of a standalone Direct app. It’s fast, visual, and super fun. Only in six countries to start but can’t wait for you all to try it. https://t.co/oqn18LiOmT
— Kevin Weil (@kevinweil) December 7, 2017
In terms of functionality, the Direct app will open the camera in the same way Snapchat does. It features a number of filters, none of which are currently available within Instagram Stories. Also, if you install Direct, the inbox disappears from …read more