Instagram Live Rooms Lets Users Chat with three people at once during a live session, rather than just with one...

   Instagram Live Rooms Takes on Clubhouse by allowing Users to Switch Off Video, Sound. Instagram Live Rooms has rolled out a new feature in which hosts will be able to mute their audio like you would in a Zoom or Google Meet call.

   Instagram announced it’s adding a much-requested feature to its app with the launch of “Live Rooms,” which allow up to four people to broadcast live together at the same time. Previously, the app only allowed users to live stream with one otherperson, similar to Facebook Live. 

   The company says it hopes Live Rooms will open up more creative opportunities in terms of live broadcast formats to allow for things like live talk shows, expanded Q&A’s or interviews, jam sessions for musicians, live shopping experiences and more.

   "By giving people the option to mute their audio or turn off their video, hosts will have added flexibility for their Livestream experience, as the added functionality could help decrease pressure to look or sound a certain way while broadcasting live," Instagram said in a statement emailed to Mashable.

   Mashable reported that the company is not the first to follow in Clubhouse's audio-forward footsteps. Clubhouse, an audio-based social media app that allows a user to jump in and out of chats on a variety of topics, does it the same. It is like tuning in to a live podcast recording.

   In addition to the ability to livestream with more people, Instagram also touts how the new feature can help creators to make more money. Last year, in the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, Instagram introduced badges as a way for fans to support their favorite creators during a live video. Once purchased, the badges appear next to a fan’s name throughout the live video, helping them to stand out in the comments and unlock other special features, like placement on the creator’s list of badge holders and access to a special heart.

 The photo-sharing platform Instagram launched Live Rooms, allowing users to chat with three people at once in a Live session, rather than just with one.