Instagram is planning to launch video and audio calling in its app to rival Snapchat

It seems like **Instagram** is planning to introduce a new feature to the platform by allowing its users to make audio or video calls to each other. [caption id=“attachment_4236899” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] The Instagram logo seen on a smartphone. Image: Reuters[/caption] This move is likely an attempt to bring the competition to Snapchat which already has audio and video calling features. From the looks of it, the company will integrate the calling system in its Direct Messaging system instead of adding it somewhere outside with a dedicated tab. According to a detailed report by TechCrunch, the company found a number of files and icons for the ‘Call’ and ‘Video Call’ symbols in the Instagram APK for **Android** . This is not the first time that reports have hinted at the calling functionality arriving to Instagram. The report claims that this feature will make Instagram a better chat alternative to Snapchat. This will make Instagram the third platform under Facebook with calling features after Facebook **Messenger** and **WhatsApp** . Instagram has been on the offensive when it comes to adding new features and improving on the features introduced by its rival Snapchat. [caption id=“attachment_4373721” align=“alignnone” width=“865”] Image: TechCrunch[/caption] What is interesting is the fact that users who don’t want to use the Instagram feed may use the stand-alone ‘ Direct from Instagram’ app if all they want to do is to share images and videos to the people in its follower list. The company has not issued any detailed about how the feature will be implemented or if the feature will be only limited to the official Instagram or be added to the stand-alone app at the same time.