Highlights

• Instagram is testing a new “community chat” feature similarly to Discord.
• The feature will reportedly allow users to create group conversations with up to 250 people.
• Community chats will enable all members to join conversations and will include moderation tools.
• The feature is currently an internal prototype and not being tested outside the company.

Instagram appears to be working on a new “community chat” feature that lets users create group conversations with up to 250 people. This unreleased feature was discovered by developer Alessandro Paluzzi, who has a good track record of spotting upcoming updates in Meta’s apps.

Here’s what we know so far.

 

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Based on the screenshots shared by Paluzzi, community chats will function a lot like Discord. Users can create chats around specific topics and manage who can join, but each group is capped at 250 members.

Unlike Instagram’s broadcast channels, where only creators can send messages, community chats will allow all members to join the conversation. The feature also includes moderation tools.

As seen in the screenshots, “Admins can remove messages and members to keep the channel safe.” Instagram will also monitor these chats to ensure they follow its guidelines: “We also review Community Chat against our Community Standards.”

It’s unclear when or if this feature will be officially launched. An Instagram spokesperson described it as an internal prototype that’s not currently being tested outside the company.

However, Meta has introduced similar features in the past. WhatsApp started testing a “Communities” feature in 2022, and later that year, Facebook and Messenger also got “Community Chats.” At the time, Mark Zuckerberg said the goal was to offer “a new way to connect with people who share your interests.”

FAQs

Q1. What is Instagram’s new community chat feature?

Answer. Instagram is testing a new “community chat” feature that lets users create group conversations with up to 250 people, functioning similarly to Discord.

Q2. How are community chats different from Instagram’s broadcast channels?

Answer. Community chats will allow all members to join the conversation, unlike Instagram’s broadcast channels, where only creators can send messages. The feature also includes moderation tools for admins to remove messages and members.

Q3. Is the community chat feature currently available to all users?

Answer. No, the feature is currently an internal prototype not tested outside the company, with no confirmed launch date. However, similar features have been introduced in WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger.

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