Instagram begins rolling out video calling, AR and anti-bullying features

Instagram

Instagram is getting a makeover, with a slew of new features already being rolled out to the photo-sharing platform.

At Facebook’s F8 conference today, Instagram listed out all the changes being made to the platform, including video calling, AR filters, a redesigned Explore page and a new anti-bullying feature in the comments section. Instagram will also allow more apps to be integrated into Stories, starting with Spotify and GoPro.

Getting jiggy with it

The addition of Spotify will allow users to share a playlist, song or album with followers either via Stories or through an Instagram direct message.

GoPro integration is also just as simple – users simply need to choose a clip on the GoPro app and share directly to Stories, with the ability to edit the video before sharing.

Spotify-Instagram integration

Spotify integration

Neither Spotify nor GoPro will need to be linked to Instagram accounts, however, as sharing happens locally on the device via the Instagram app.

Full o’ filters

With Facebook’s AR Studio at its disposal, Instagram is building custom filters for its own platform, and not just for the front-facing camera, but for the rear one as well. Meaning Instagrammers will be able to apply face filters for selfies and “world effects” for other snapshots.

AR filters are already being used on Instagram by “influencers” like Ariana Grande and Vogue. Users who spot the effects can ‘“try it on” directly from the Story, adding it to their camera tray.

Instagram is also be taking a strong stance on bullying by adding a filter for offensive comments. The filter will identify comments on appearance or threatening remarks and remove them. The anti-bullying filter will be set to the on position automatically once rolled out, but can be switched off in the Comment Controls.

Talking face to face

The long-rumored video chat feature rolling out to the platform will allow up to four Instagrammers to connect via the app. Call participants can minimize the video chat and continue browsing within the app, with the other callers sitting in a thumbnail in a corner.

Browsing will also be made easier with the redesigned Explore page, which will have photo category icons sitting in a carousel. 

In fact, Facebook has announced that the group video chat feature will also be rolled out to WhatsApp, enabling up to four users to join a single call.

Sharmishta Sarkar
Managing Editor (APAC)

While she's happiest with a camera in her hand, Sharmishta's main priority is being TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor, looking after the day-to-day functioning of the Australian, New Zealand and Singapore editions of the site, steering everything from news and reviews to ecommerce content like deals and coupon codes. While she loves reviewing cameras and lenses when she can, she's also an avid reader and has become quite the expert on ereaders and E Ink writing tablets, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about these underrated devices. Other than her duties at TechRadar, she's also the Managing Editor of the Australian edition of Digital Camera World, and writes for Tom's Guide and T3.

Latest in Instagram
Instagram app logo on iOS
Instagram wants you to do more with DMs than just slide into someone else’s
Instagram Valentine's Day 2025 Drop
Instagram is feeling the love with a surprise set of Valentine's Day easter eggs
Instagram app logo on iOS
Instagram finally has all the tools to make your own year in review for Stories
Instagram app logo on iOS
Instagram just fixed its worst habit, and I couldn’t be happier
Instagram dark mode
Instagram will now let you post up to 20 photos or videos in a gallery – your friends should be thrilled
Instagram home page, stories, and account page
Instagram’s new AI image editor makes your life look more exciting than it is
Latest in News
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough