Instagram is testing a new feature called Candid Challenges, which has similarities with BeReal, a photo sharing app that is currently popular with Generation Z, according to Engadget.
The feature has not yet been released but has been discovered by Alessandro Paluzzi, a developer known for detecting new features, bugs, and unpublished updates on technology company products. After that, an Instagram spokesperson confirmed that this feature was just an "internal prototype" and refused to provide more details.
According to Paluzzi, Instagram users participating in Candid Challenges will see notifications at different times each day to take photos of what is around them. When prompted, both Instagram's front and rear cameras will open at the same time, giving users two minutes to take photos. The content will be shared through challenges in the Stories section.
This feature seems to be too familiar to a part of the young generation, as it is similar to BeReal, a self-respecting photography app marketed as a more realistic alternative to mainstream social media platforms.
The app, launched in 2019, also reminds users to take photos with the front and rear cameras of their phones at a random time every day. Daily reminders also expire after two minutes, after which users can view all the photos shared by their friends that day.
It is not yet clear whether Instagram intends to launch this feature. An Instagram spokesperson described the feature as an internal prototype, not being tested outside. But the fact that the company is testing the function shows that they are at least considering replicating the application within their own services.
BeReal has a large number of followers of generation Z age and has become increasingly popular in the past few months. The app is currently in top of Apple's App Store, ahead of Instagram (8th) and Facebook (18th). It is among the top ten most popular free apps this summer.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that Meta's future depends on attracting young people, who are spending more and more time on social media platforms outside of Meta. While considering TikTok its top competitor, the company also closely follows its competitors and regularly copys features from other services.
