Have you heard about Instagram’s new Dual Camera feature on Stories? It can be a helpful photography tool. Here is how to use it:

What Is the Dual Camera Feature on Instagram Stories?

Instagram announced a few new features, including the Dual Camera feature, in July 2022. The feature allows you to take a picture with the front and back cameras on your phone at the same time. You will see a small box in the upper right corner with the image from the front camera, while the rest of the screen shows the image from the back camera.

The feature is only available on the mobile app, making it another one of the differences between the Instagram desktop and mobile apps.

woman using smartphone camera with blue and orange background

Instagram launched this feature in response to the growth in popularity of the social media app BeReal in early 2022. BeReal sends a notification out once per day for users to snap a picture using the front and back cameras at the same time to show what they were doing at that moment.

The Instagram Dual Camera feature has a very similar look to a BeReal post. Instagram is also testing Candid Challenges, which mimic the spontaneous notification prompts of BeReal.

Competition-inspired features aren't without their controversy though. Users are asking for Instagram to go back to its roots, rather than mimicking competitors with features like TikTok-inspired Reels.

But others welcome more variety in the types of content on Instagram.

How to Use the Instagram Dual Camera Feature

To find the Dual Camera feature, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Instagram app and tap the plus icon on your profile picture to create a new story.
  2. Then, select the camera icon. You will see your camera is open to take a photo for your Instagram story. Tap the arrow icon to show different camera features and select Dual.
  3. You will see the little rectangle with your front camera preview.
  4. Tap and drag the front camera image to move it anywhere on the screen.
  5. Tap the camera icon to capture your image.

. Then it is as simple as selecting Add to Story once you're happy with your picture.

Should You Use the Dual Camera?

The feature is great for capturing a moment and your reaction to it at the same time. For example, you can use it to capture a concert or show and a selfie of you enjoying it at the same time. It is a great way to capture all aspects of a memory.

The dual camera is also great for travel photography and unlike BeReal, you can use it to take videos and make Reels. This is especially useful for capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment and how you react to it —like seeing a famous landmark while traveling for the first time.

It is also good for showing you and your friends around you doing something fun or interesting at the same time instead of switching between the front and back camera in a video. Switching between cameras can cause awkward and clunky pauses in your videos.

You can even show yourself doing something fun like riding a bike while also showcasing a beautiful landscape or scenery around you.

What Will You Share Using the Dual Camera?

The Dual Camera feature is great for capturing amazing memories, and now you can start using it for your most fun experiences. Now you know how to get started and can see how Instagram’s Dual Camera feature can help you encapsulate what you love!