Instagram hits one billion user mark; promises long video feature

Instagram has said it now has more than one billion active users, less than a year after it reported reaching the 800 million mark.

The number highlights the surging growth of the Facebook-owned social network which allows users to share photos and video.

Accounts with large audiences will be able to distribute programmes lasting up to an hour.

Video will be available through Instagram or a new app called IGTV which will give Facebook more opportunities to sell advertising.

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Instagram was launched just eight years ago. It is especially popular with younger people.