#Testing - Instagram Calling and Video Calling features coming soon

Instagram doesn’t seem to be grasping the hints to what it’s user base wants with (credible) rumors now suggesting that Instagram Calling and Video Calling could soon be arriving.

APK files in the Instagram and Instagram Direct solitary app are proof of the (once) photo-sharing platform's more ambitious plans of usurping the mantle of an all-inclusive Instant Messaging platform, much like sibling WhatsApp. The Instagram Calling and Video Calling APKs were spotted by a user, and first reported by TechCrunch’s Josh Constine.

It is an interesting and useful new update, although, with the user base vehemently demanding the restoration of Instagram's reverse chronological sorting of the feed, the company has not even acknowledged that they are considering this demand. This has led to an exodus of sorts to new and upcoming platform, Vero. Read more about Vero and whether it really is the Instagram killer or not, here.

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As far as Instagram's ambitions are concerned, back in January, Social Samosa had reported Instagram’s plans to experiment with a video calling feature, based on screenshots and reports from WABetaInfo.

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Also Read: #Testing – Video Calling on Instagram Direct to boost 1-on-1 communication

Now that the publicly available APKs have put Instagram in a position where they cannot deny their future plans with respect to Instagram Calling and Video Calling, something they were adamant to offer a comment on, both back in January and today, per Josh Constine.

“Last month it gave me a no comment when TechCrunch spotted a new Giphy GIF sharing feature…which then launched a week later.” Josh reports, which suggests the possibility of the Instagram Calling and Video Calling features debuting soon.

My guess is before the Q2 ends this year.

An addendum to Instagram’s increased push for one-on-one communication between users, the calling features could finally complete the broader symmetry in format for Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram Direct.

Earlier this month, Instagram also added improved privacy controls over Stories in a bid to encourage more personal sharing of media in the ephemeral format, something Snapchat retains its superiority in.

Also Read: Instagram adds improved privacy controls on Stories; replay control and more

Personally, even I consider Instagram to be more of a public platform for my Stories, while Snapchat just somehow feels more personal owing to it’s closely guarded nature.

What are your thoughts about Instagram's newly testing feature? Would you consider Instagram Direct as a means to talk to your friends and followers? Let us know at team@socialsamosa.com