Instagram video calls could be a reality soon

Facebook-owned Messenger and WhatsApp already have the video calling feature. In this scenario, it looks like Instagram that is also owned by the social media giant is in plans to implement the same for its users. There are claims that Instagram will soon bring the video calling feature for its users as it is likely under testing. As per the media reports, this feature might be implemented by the end of this quarter itself but there is no official confirmation regarding the same.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the video calling feature will be included in the direct messages section next to the info button of a chat. Once you open the direct message, you can make a video call if the person on the other end is also active on Instagram. Those at the WhatsApp fan site have spotted the feature and it is claimed that the company has not implemented any other user interface elements besides the regular video call icon at the top of the navigation bar.

You cannot make a video call to a person who has not accepted your direct message request, as the video call icon will not appear in that case. This is meant for privacy reasons as you can make video calls only to those who accept your message request. Also, you can make video calls to your followers.

The blog post goes on stating that this feature on Instagram is in the development phase and that it will be available for both Android as well as iOS platforms if the company makes it official. We can expect the video call feature to be included in the upcoming Instagram Beta update. Instagram already lets you go live with a friend who also wants to go live. But the downside is that the Instagram Live feature will be visible to all your followers and is not private as video calls.

The video calling feature comes after two new features such as the ability to add GIF Stickers to Stories and the screenshot notifications were spotted in the beta version of the app. This shows that the platform is committed to rolling out many new features just like WhatsApp.