Instagram launches video sharing feature

Instagram isn’t just about sharing artsy photos anymore.

The company announced yesterday it has integrated video in its latest update, allowing users to create up to 15 seconds of video, with the availability of its filter tools and social sharing.

The feature is expected to impact a large number of people due to Instagram’s current reach. In its two and a half years, the app has hosted 16 billion photos. Currently, 130 million people use the service each month. Engagement on the app is high with over one billion “likes” added to the service every day.

The new version of the app looks and feels a lot like the older version. Users hit the camera button and get a choice of a still camera or video camera option. Selecting the video option will bring up the usual viewfinder, and then, holding down the video icon will capture video. Releasing it will allow you to pause the video, rearrange your shot and then start capturing again.

The video-sharing feature was widely expected and puts Instagram in direct competition with Vine, the popular Twitter-owned app that lets users share looping six-second video clips.

The real estate community has had a colorful presence among the photos in the Instagram community. Many Realtors® use the app to create large followings, close deals, lead generate and connect with clients.

Will you be trying out Instagram’s video feature? Share your comments below.