Instagram update takes out option to disable auto video playback

Photo: engadget.com

Seems like those Instagram videos will keep playing in the background now. The latest update for Instagram iOS and Android have taken out the option to disable automatic video playback. Instead, the clips can now play muted and be limited to preloading on Wi-Fi. Another update for Android adds photo straightening capabilities.

3M Canada opens Instagram account

Want to know what life would be like without 3M? 3M Canada opened its Instagram channel with a series of Instagram videos that show what life without 3M innovations. 

“3M really is Canada’s problem solving company, developing innovative products every day inspired by the challenges faced by our customers. In fact, on average, Canadians encounter a 3M product every half hour each day—we’re inside so many of the things each of us rely on day in and day out—and we wanted to demonstrate this in a way that resonates with our target,” said Erin Craven-Patrick, who leads branding at 3M Canada.

Instagram update allows for video importing

Instagram 4.1 gives the photo- and video-sharing app an advantage over its competition by allowing users to upload previously saved videos instead of just using clips recorded on the app. You can select the 15 seconds from any clip you want and crop the video to fit into Instagram’s square form. 

For iOS users, there is also a new auto straightening feature for uploaded photos or you can use the straightening tool to correct imported pictures. While for Android users, Video on Instagram is finally available for those running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

‘Jobs’ movie trailer hits Instagram

If you thought 60 seconds is too long to watch a movie trailer, the creators behind Steve Jobs’ biopic Jobs are tapping into your short attention span by releasing a 15-second trailer on Instagram, a first on the photo- and video-sharing service.

This comes hot off the heels of Instagram allowing photo and video embedding for their Web version. What do you think of this new marketing ploy?