Skip to main content

Instagram’s co-watching feature takes the isolation out of social distancing

Instagram has introduced a new way to stay connected with your friends while practicing social distancing.

Recommended Videos

The social media giant announced a “co-watching” feature on Tuesday, March 23, which lets users scroll through posts and watch videos together remotely.

Users can open up a video chat in an existing direct message group chat by clicking the video icon in the upper-left corner, or create a new conversation. They’ll also have access to Instagram’s story filters while using the new feature.

The feature allows users to essentially scroll Instagram with their friends — liking posts, catching up on stories, or watching the same Instagram Live together.

Many people are going live on Instagram amid social distancing measures meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.

Instagram

The new update also adds a “Stay at Home” sticker to post to your stories to encourage your friends and followers to stay safe. Instagram will create a bigger shared story of everyone you follow who used the sticker.

Although Instagram is usually reserved as a solo activity (we’ve all mindlessly scrolled the platform for hours before wondering where the time went), any chance we get to connect with others, even if it is by browsing social media, is a welcome one these days.

Other platforms have introduced similar features to connect users in typically isolating activities. Netflix Party — a third-party Chrome extension that lets you sync up the same movie or TV show with your friends — is gaining more popularity. The extension even has a chat bar so you can talk about why Love Is Blind is so bad, yet so good.

As governments grapple with the spread of coronavirus, many everyday parts of society have gone virtual, including education, much of the workforce, and even visiting the doctor.

As of Tuesday, there are more than 395,640 confirmed cases of the coronavirus worldwide, and over 17,241 confirmed deaths, according to an online dashboard that tracks cases.

Allison Matyus
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Allison Matyus is a general news reporter at Digital Trends. She covers any and all tech news, including issues around social…
All the social distancing hashtags you need to know
man checking phone with mask on

People are stuck inside thanks to shutdowns to stop the coronavirus -- and they're turning to social media to vent.

You have probably seen a ton of new hashtags since the lockdown began in earnest in mid-March. We’ve broken down what the most popular hashtags mean so you can be clued in about the new social slang while you’re social distancing.
#stayhome
Probably the most popular coronavirus-related hashtag on the internet right now, this hashtag urges people to stay at home. By staying home, fewer people are out and about, so the virus is less likely to spread. This especially helps those who are more at risk to get seriously ill from the deadly disease. The hashtag crops up mostly on Twitter and Instagram, and Instagram even has a "stay home" sticker to add to your stories. 

Read more
WHO’s Play Apart Together campaign uses games to promote social distancing
Play Apart Together

The World Health Organization is using video games to share the importance of social distancing and proper safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, nearly 60 gaming companies, including major publishers such as Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, and Sega, have officially teamed up with WHO for its Play Apart Together campaign. Even more game companies, large and small, are unofficially participating by giving out free games during this difficult time and using their platforms to promote recommended safety protocols.

It’s up to all of us to play our part! Brighten up your time at home with Rayman Legends, now FREE on PC #PlayApartTogether
— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) March 31, 2020
The promotional campaign focuses on bringing "special events, exclusives, activities, rewards, and inspiration to some of the most popular games in the world" to help players fight the urge to socialize in person. Examples include the mobile hit Kim Kardashian: Hollywood's event where players could get bonus rewards from Show Your Style events.

Read more
Mysterious drone tells New Yorkers to socially distance during pandemic
Drone Sunset

A video has surfaced apparently showing a drone with a loudspeaker telling New Yorkers to maintain social distancing to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.

The clip (below), which was reportedly recorded at a Manhattan park on Saturday, was posted online by CBS News.

Read more