Instagram tested out curated video channel on Halloween

It’s not the most imaginative name for a new curated video channel but Instagram has tested its “Best Videos” feature on Halloween. The videos were bundled under the headline “Watch Halloween’s best videos.” From there, users could see everything from dogs dressed as Stormtroopers, Miley Cyrus singing “Ghostbusters,” to video-editing assisted Halloween magic tricks. The feature went live at around 1 p.m. on Halloween and Instagram was said to have added videos for about 24 hours. Users were able to submit their 15-second clips by tagging them with the hashtag #IGHalloween. Perhaps we shall be seeing this feature more in other upcoming holidays and big news events and festivals.

Source: Engadget

EasyDownloader lets you save Instagram videos and images on Android sans rooting

Android users could only previously save images and videos from Instagram if their smartphone is rooted. Now, a new app called EasyDownloader will help you download the Instagram media without the need to root your phone. Before you download the app though, make sure you have the Instagram app already installed. There’s a bug in the app that won’t let it run if you download EasyDownloader before Instagram.

Once you have it installed, you just activate the download images option and tap on the Instagram icon on the app. You just have to select the three-dot menu at the bottom of each image and select “Copy Share URL.” You will get the notice that the link has been copied to your clipboard but the app has already downloaded the photo if you slide your notifications pane down.

Source: Lifehacker

BBC now uses Instagram to disseminate news

BBC is turning to Instagram to disseminate 10-second news clips and they are hoping to get follower feedback from the new project they dubbed as #Instafax. There are so far two Instafax clips mixed in with over 200 posts from the news service’s account.

BBC is following in the footsteps of startup NowThis News and other tech sites who use Instagram videos to help present information in a different way and reach out to people.

Facebook introduces auto-play for videos on mobile

Facebook has rolled out an auto-play feature for native Facebook and Instagram videos on iOS and Android versions of its app. Tech Crunch writer Josh Constine likens it to the moving photos in Harry Potter films. If you’re worried about automatic video playing eating up your data, you can activate the setting on your Facebook app that allows you to auto-play videos only on Wi-Fi. You don’t have to worry about sound blaring out as you scroll through your feed, the videos will initially play without sound unless you tap on it to view the videos with sound and on full screen.

Facebook also plans to monetize this feature and will eventually allow the presence of video ads on your News Feed. Let’s just hope it won’t be as obtrusive and annoying as it can get.