Facebook is strengthening its social media arsenal by introducing similar features on all of its platforms. After introducing a feature that allows users to share their Instagram Stories directly on WhatsApp, the social media giant has rolled out a new feature that allows Instagramers to see when their friends are online or were last seen active on the app.
The feature is available in the Direct Messages option in the app and is similar to the one available on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, unlike in Messenger, all your Instagram followers won’t be able to see if you are online. Only the people with whom you have exchanged direct message will be able to see your activity status.
Instagram Online Activity option (Photo: Instagram grab)
The new ‘Show Activity Status’ option is enabled by default inside Instagram settings. You can choose to toggle it off if you don’t want your friends and followers to know if you are online. However, by disabling the option, you will no longer be able to see the info for your friends– much like in WhatsApp.
Instagram explains this setting as:
“Allow accounts you follow and anyone you message to see when you were last active in Instagram apps. When this is turned off, you won’t be able to see the activity status of other accounts.”
Instagram Online Status (Photo: Instagram grab)
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The update has been rolled out to both Android and iOS platforms.
Meanwhile, Instagram is reportedly testing a new feature which allows users to put text on gradient background without any image. The feature called ‘Type’, which is available for select users, allows them to change the background colour of the image and select from a range of font styles available in the app.
