Instagram is doubling up on its live-streaming features by launching Live Rooms, which will allow up to four users to broadcast together at the same time.
Previously, a user could only go live with one other person on the social media platform.
The new feature, which began rolling out on Monday, will be available to all global users within one week on both iOS and Android devices.
“Going live with multiple guests is a great way to increase your reach, as guests’ followers can also be notified,” the company said in a blog post.
“Start a talk show, host a jam session or co-create with other artists, host more engaging Q&As or tutorials with your following, or just hang out with more of your friends.”
The new feature comes hot on the heels of the success of Clubhouse, the social audio-only app that allows more than 10 people to speak at once, with some rooms able to accommodate up to 8,000 people.
Despite Clubhouse’s limited availability — it’s invite-only and currently available only on iOS devices — it’s already valued at $100 million after a reported $12 million in funding.
Instagram said it is also exploring more interactive tools, such as offering moderator controls and audio features that will be available in the coming months.
Live Rooms, it added, will give creators more ways to interact with their audiences and earn money. In 2020, the company launched a feature through which viewers could buy badges for hosts.
Live Rooms was also designed with safety in mind, Instagram said. People who are blocked by any of the active participants in the Live Room will not be able to join. Guests who have had live access revoked because of violations of community guidelines also won't be able to join a Live Room.
Live hosts will have the ability to report and block comments, and apply comment filters.
“Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, we’ve seen people on Instagram embrace Live in different ways,” Instagram said. “We can’t wait to see what more creativity comes from this highly requested update.”
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Scoreline
Al Wasl 1 (Caio Canedo 90 1')
Al Ain 2 (Ismail Ahmed 3', Marcus Berg 50')
Red cards: Ismail Ahmed (Al Ain) 77'
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.3-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E299hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E420Nm%20at%202%2C750rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12.4L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh157%2C395%20(XLS)%3B%20Dh199%2C395%20(Limited)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
