Instagram reportedly looking to add private messaging to the app

It looks like Instagram is all set to follow the footsteps of Snapchat. The photo sharing service is reportedly looking at adding messaging...

Nishtha Kanal|Nov 23, 2013, 11:26:55 IST

It looks like Instagram is all set to follow the footsteps of Snapchat. The photo sharing service is reportedly looking at adding messaging to its list of features now. The Facebook-owned application may add this feature as soon as by the end of the year,

A report from GigaOm has hinted that Instagram could be looking at making private messaging a feature in its app even before the next year rings in. This could be the next big thing for Instagram, which has added short video shooting to its service only this year. The new look!

Messaging comes next?

“Well placed” sources have told the publication that Instagram is mulling the addition of private messaging and even group messaging to the next big update for Instagram. The addition does make a lot of sense as far as expansion as well as the timing goes. After images and videos – where Instagram undoubtedly has mass appeal – private messaging is where the youth is at.

With the success of Snapchat – the startup even Facebook was hankering after – Instagram walking down that path will definitely see success. It has the backing of a 200 million strong community, after all. Also, the holiday season has always shown an uptick as far as app usage and purchase of new devices go. Instagram could add its strong user base, with a feature of this sort, for a perfect recipe.

More from News Analysis

Unfortunately, while iOS and Android versions of Instagram will definitely be a part of the fold, it looks like the feature will not make it to Windows Phone, if it is indeed released. Instagram released its much-awaited Windows Phone application this week. However, it’s still in beta and lacks basic functions like shooting videos and viewing tagged images. Check out our review of the newest iteration of the app.

By Nishtha Kanal

Intrigued by all things social, Nishtha will invariably tweet about you. When not tweeting or writing about the next viral video, you will hear her proclaiming her love to Metallica, James Hetfield, Opeth, Akerfeldt and all bands that go 'growl'. She also obsesses about ACP Pradyuman and South Park and you will always find her moving around with a book. Her focus is on all the happening stuff in the tech domain, and she won't hesitate to take a shot at some of the oddball devices that make their way to our labs.