Instagram, known as a visual communication platform, is looking for way to expand its appeal to its community of 200 million (and growing) users. First it was short-form video and next up is messaging. Well-placed sources tell us that the company is gearing up to launch new private messaging features inside its still red-hot photo and video sharing service. It is also experimenting with the idea of group messaging, our source tells us. The new features are likely to find home in the next version of Instagram, which is expected before end of the year. An Instagram spokesperson (not surprisingly) declined to comment. The upgrade timing makes perfect sense: With the holidays around the corner and smartphones as likely hot gift items, many people are going to experience Instagram for the first time and they should perhaps start with a brand new experience.
