Instagram is adding a new feature to its direct messages, where users will be able to share instant voice messages.Instagram is adding a new feature to its direct messages, where users will be able to share instant voice messages. Previously TechCrunch had reported that Instagram was testing a new ‘walkie-talkie’ feature for Direct, and it looks like it’s official now.
In an official tweet, Instagram confirmed that users will be able to send voice messages in Direct. When a user opens a chat on Instagram Direct now, they will see a microphone symbol in the text box as well. By tapping this, the user will be able to send an audio chat.
A user can also swipe up after pressing the microphone button, to lock audio recording and continue recording without having to hold the button down. If a user wants to undo the audio recording, just go to the trash can symbol on the other side. There is also an option to override the audio recording.
Just long-press the audio recording you’ve sent, and an option to undo will show up. If you want to do it, just tap on it.
With Instagram adding an audio recording feature, one cannot help but notice the similarity to how this works on WhatsApp. The audio recording feature is quite popular on WhatsApp, especially in India, which has the largest user base for the messaging app.
Of course, both apps are owned by Facebook and the company has been consistently rolling out similar features across its suite of products. Instagram also featured a video calling option this year, and the company plans to add group video calling to the platform as well.
For Facebook, Instagram is now a major source of income, and it also explains why the app is getting so many new features. Facebook must ensure that it offers all the options to the users in the application, which is becoming more important every day.
