Social
New Instagram feature rips off popular BeReal app
The internal testing shows a feature that promotes candid photos.
Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.
Instagram is internally testing a new challenge-based feature called Candid Challenges. First spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, it mimics the functionality of the viral BeReal app.
That standalone app lets you post once per day, with a twist. The app sends you a notification at a random time to take your picture. No time to stage your background, no makeup, no filter.
Oh, and the BeReal app only gives you two minutes to post your picture. If you go past that time, you have to wait for the next day’s posting prompt. It’s a favorite of Gen Z, who like the unplanned nature.
READ MORE: Meta is exploring paid Facebook and Instagram features
The code Paluzzi found mentions “IG Candid Challenges,” which seems a carbon copy of BeReal’s functionality. The only change is that you have to add the other person’s IG Candid to your story tray.
Then, you’ll get a notification daily, at a random time, with a two-minute time limit to post. The Instagram app will open the dual-camera, which takes a picture from both the front and rear-facing cameras.
READ MORE: TikTok Now is another blatant copy of the BeReal app
While unreleased features don’t always make it to the public builds, Instagram did confirm the existence of the “internal prototype” to Engadget.
Obviously, the question here is – “Will copying BeReal keep users on Instagram?” We’re not so sure.
Instagram has been under fire lately for its new, video-first features. The social sharing site has even promised to walk back many of these after the Kardashians started a mini-but-stylish revolution.
READ MORE: Instagram is adding more ways to control your Feed
The revolution might not get far, as Meta, Instagram’s owner, says that “serving young adults” is their top priority. That is referencing Gen Z, or the group that loves the BeReal app.
Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.
Editors’ Recommendations:
- Instagram and Facebook track you on other websites – here’s how
- YouTube Shorts will soon watermark videos just like TikTok
- Facebook is finally testing default encryption in Messenger
- Texas law that stops social sites from moderating is on hold
Follow us on Flipboard, Google News, or Apple News
