Earlier this morning Instagram announced that they are adding a new feature called Instagram Direct to the already popular photo-sharing app. The new update will allow users to privately share pictures and videos directly with up to 15 friends and not all of their followers. The update will gather people around a photo, creating conversation and adding value, and users will be able to enjoy real-time likes, views and chats on all direct messages. See below for some of the features users can expect.

• Direct messaging shows up in an inbox on the top right hand side of your feed
• Easy access
• Send to a group of up to 15 people at once
• Only people you follow can send you photos and videos
• Have pending requests for people you do not follow
• Real-time
•  Profile picture of recipients is faded until the picture or video is viewed. Once viewed, the profile picture becomes unfaded and gets a check mark

Instagram update is available today for download in Apples’ App Store.

What do you think of Instagram’s news?