Instagram Live Rooms takes on Clubhouse with mute and turn off video features

By Ashika Rajan, Trainee Reporter
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Instagram Live Rooms has added a new feature that allows hosts to mute their audio, similar to the features in Zoom and Google Meet call.

The photo and video sharing app, Instagram introduced Live Rooms in March, allowing users to chat with three people at once in a single Live session, rather than just one.

Instagram said that “by giving people the option to mute their audio or turn off their video, hosts will have added flexibility for their Livestream experience, as the added functionality could help decrease pressure to look or sound a certain way while broadcasting live.”

Live, the company added, gives creators a “quick, low-lift way to connect with their community and audience and have a real back-and-forth conversation.”

According to multi-platform media and entertainment firm Mashable, the company isn’t the first to adopt Clubhouse’s audio-forward strategy. Clubhouse, an audio-based social media app that allows users to jump in and leave chats on a range of subjects, does the same thing. It is like tuning in to a live podcast recording.

Recently, Instagram parent company Facebook already has a more direct Clubhouse clone in progress with Live Audio Rooms on Facebook and Messenger.

Instagram says it publicly checked the latest features during an Instagram Live between Facebook CEO Mr. Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram CEO Mr. Adam Mosseri earlier this week. Meanwhile, Instagram Live’s latest features are beginning to roll out to Instagram’s global audience on both iOS and Android last day.

Related: Instagram to develop marketplace for brands to connect influencers

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