Instagram is testing a Discord-like feature – for you and 249 friends

Instagram has been launching a flurry of new features lately. Some of these mirror TikTok features, such as Edits — Instagram’s version of the CapCut video editing app. Others — like profile cards — are geared toward professionalizing the app for small businesses. Also, updated algorithms recommend more original content, a benefit to creators. Now, Meta’s social media platform is testing a new Community Chat feature.

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According to screenshots shared by mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi on Meta’s Threads, the unreleased chat feature seems similar to Discord’s. Instagram users can form chats around specific topics with a limit of 250 people per community, and anyone can join and send messages in a chat. This differs from Instagram’s broadcast channels, where creators send messages and content directly to their followers, while users in those channels can only react and reply to messages or vote in polls. The unreleased feature includes built-in moderation tools for admins and moderators. 

The screenshots further detail that admins can remove messages or members to “keep the channel safe.” Meta will “also review Community Chat[s] against our Community Standards.”

Interestingly, Meta has been entangled in some controversy since ditching its third-party fact-checking process in favor of a new system similar to the community notes used by X. Meta’s new process is a more hands-off approach, aiming to limit the number of posts taken down or restricted based on user complaints and other red flags. 

Also: How new Facebook policies incentivize spreading misinformation

An Instagram spokesperson described the new feature as an “internal prototype.” It’s still unclear when the feature will launch. Meta rolled out similar features on its other apps, such as Community Chats on Facebook and Messenger, in 2022. Also, the tech giant experimented with a Communities feature for WhatsApp that same year.

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