Instagram has officially launched 4-way group video chats that let you scroll through Instagram with your friends while you chat.
The company initially announced the news in May, and it is now rolling out the service to iOS and Android users.
The social media giant said in a statement: “Video chat gives you the experience of real-time video in a private space and helps you feel close and connected to friends when you can’t be together. Your friends are already on Instagram, and with video chat, you can seamlessly connect across iOS and Android and without a phone number”.
The new function allows up to four friends to join a group call through Instagram direct messaging. Users can minimise the window and browse the rest of the app without ending the call.
Users can also join a call already in progress and hit the mute button to avoid additional call invites. Blocked people cannot call you.
To use it, just select the Direct button, which is located at the top right side of the Instagram home screen. Open a chat and choose the video icon at the top right to begin a call.
Although other platforms offer a higher limit of users who can join a group video call (Snapchat is 15, FaceTime 32, Messenger 6), Instagram is the first platform to really allow for simultaneous browsing through its app.
