It's been a pretty big year for Instagram. So far, it has released several big new features including video and people tagging. To end 2013 on a high note, Instagram announced today that it is launching Instagram Direct - a new private sharing feature. Highlights include:

  • The ability to share photos privately with up to 15 people.
  • See who has seen, liked, and commented on your privately-shared photo in real time.
  • Receive push notifications when one of your friends shares a photo with you.
  • If someone you don't follow shares a photo with you, it goes to a special "requests" area. You can decide from there if you want to view it.

[EMBED_VIMEO]https://vimeo.com/81527238[/EMBED_VIMEO]

Instagram Direct rolls out as part of Instagram 5.0, which will be available on Google Play starting today.

Update: For those who prefer not to wait, here's the APK:

Source: Instagram