Instagram Live videos can now be saved for playback for 24 hours

By Lulu Chang Published June 20, 2017

Snapchat may have built an empire on ephemerality, but now that FOMO (which is to say, fear of missing out) is becoming more relevant every day, the concept of disappearing content may be … well, disappearing. At least, that appears to be Instagram’s strategy, now that it is giving users the option of saving public live broadcasts to your Instagram stories, where they can be viewed by your followers for 24 hours. That means that no longer will your followers have to worry about missing out on your content — instead, you can choose to share your live content even when it is no longer live.

While Instagram, for quite some time, appeared to be taking its cues from Snapchat, it now looks as though the photo-sharing platform is setting new precedents. This live video feature, after all, is not something that Snapchat has (yet) and it could help Instagram even further its lead over the rival social media app. Instagram Stories now boasts 250 million daily users, which represents a 50 million increase from its 200 million mark in April.

Recommended Videos

Snapchat, on the other hand, can only claim a total of 166 million daily users across its entire app — Instagram, for reference, has 700 million total users.

“From new creative tools to location stories, we’ve been focused on making it easier to share any moment and uncover stories from the accounts and interests that matter most to you,” Instagram told TechCrunch. “As a result, we are continuing to see strong growth both in the U.S. and internationally.”

And just maybe, this growth can be further bolstered by the change to Instagram Live videos.

The decision to make these videos accessible for longer periods of time could be a controversial one. After all, the instant disappearance of these videos one of the few truly differentiating factors for Instagram — Facebook Live and Twitter’s Periscope both allow for playbacks. That meant that Instagram Live videos were truly special, in a way.

But hey, at least now, your friends and families will not have to worry about missing out on any of your content. And isn’t that what matters most of all?

Former Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

Topics

Phones

OnePlus’ North America and Europe chapter has officially come to an end

Existing owners will continue to receive software updates and warranty support, with the option to switch from OxygenOS to ColorOS down the line.

The rear of the OnePlus 15R, propped up on a wooden table.

After months of straight-up denying it, OnePlus just confirmed it’s tapping out of North America and Europe. In a community forum post, the company dressed up the news as a “proactive global strategy adjustment,” but for buyers in these markets, the outcome is straightforward. There will be one less brand to choose from the next time you go phone shopping.

Existing owners will get support, plus an optional software switch

Phones

Belkin’s new power bank can charge your phone and save you from stubbing your toes at 2am

Your next power bank could light the way to the bathroom

Furniture, Table, Lamp

Power banks serve a very simple yet handy purpose. Charge your accessories or phones in a pinch, while on the go. But every now and then, a model comes in with a little more style of functionality–like built-in cables or magnetic/wireless charging. Some can even charge up bigger gadgets like laptops.

But Belkin is doing something a bit different. The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Motion Sensing Light has launched in China for 329 yuan, or approximately $49. Alongside its 10,000mAh battery and 45W USB-C charging, it carries a pop-up LED lamp that can illuminate a hotel room, bedside table, or dark hallway when it detects movement.

Phones

AppleCare+ prices are going up for new Mac and iPad customers

Existing AppleCare+ subscribers avoid Apple’s latest price hike

MacBook Pro on Table

Apple has raised the price of AppleCare+ subscriptions for new Mac and iPad customers, adding another expense to hardware that already became considerably more expensive last month. AppleCare+ provides technical support and repair coverage for accidental damage and other eligible issues.

Monthly AppleCare+ plans for Macs and iPads now cost $0.50 more, while annual plans have increased by $5. Existing subscribers will continue paying their current rates, as the change only applies to new sign-ups.