How to Use Instagram’s New ‘Portrait Mode’ Feature Without Two Cameras

Focus can be found in the Instagram app next to other features like Boomerang and Superzoom. It can be used on both the front-facing and rear-facing camera, and is currently rolling out to the iPhone 6S or later, along with select Android phones. Like some third-party apps, the feature basically uses machine learning and facial recognition to tell where to blur the background. Of course, because it’s software-based, the feature can sometimes look a little strange — but it’s better than some other software-based portrait mode apps, like Magic Portrait Mode or FabFocus.

The feature also gives users a reason to go with Instagram over Snapchat, and could entice users to shoot through the Instagram app instead of the Snapchat app. It’s likely we’ll see more software-based portrait modes like this in apps such as Snapchat as time goes on, but for now Instagram seems to be the winner.