Have you ever wanted to browse Instagram with friends? Well, now you can, with Instagram launching a Co-Watching feature. This is just one of several things Instagram is doing to make the COVID-19 crisis, and the subsequent self-isolation, easier to bear.
Instagram Helps Us Cope With Coronavirus
This pandemic requires everyone to play their part. Whether that's through self-isolating, donating money, or supporting healthcare workers. We have already detailed how Nextdoor's Help Map is helping people help neighbors, and now Instagram is doing its bit.
In a post on the Instagram Blog, Instagram outlines the steps it has taken to "help people access accurate information, stay safe, and stay connected." The company has been working on these since the WHO declared COVID-19 a public health emergency.
How to Browse Instagram With Friends
The headline feature is Co-Watching, which lets you browse Instagram with friends remotely. This opens up a video chat with one or more friends, and lets you browse Instagram together. You can like posts, view stories, or watch Instagram Live together.
To start Co-Watching with a friend or friends, open the Direct tab, and click the video chat icon. You can either start a new video chat or start one in an existing thread. Then, tap the photo icon in the bottom-left corner to start browsing your account.
As well as Co-Watching, Instagram is rolling out educational resources for anyone searching for coronavirus and its related queries. As with Google's COVID-19 minisite, there will be links to trusted sources such as the World Health Organization.
There are also stickers promoting accurate information, a donation sticker promoting relevant non-profitable charities, and a "Stay Home" sticker promoting social distancing. Instagram will also be cracking down on accounts trying to profit from the crisis.
How to Watch Instagram Live Videos in a Browser
It's good to see Instagram doing its bit to help, and the Co-Watching feature should help Instagrammers keep in touch with friends far away. And if you're using Instagram to get through this troubling time, here's how to watch Instagram Live videos in a browser.