Instagram is working on a new “community chat” feature that will allow users to form groups of up to 250 people, similar to Discord. Notable developer Alessandro Paluzzi discovered this unreleased feature and shared screenshots detailing its functionality.
Instagram’s new community chat feature
Community chats will enable users to create discussion groups around specific topics, with control over who can join. Unlike Instagram’s broadcast channels, where only creators can send messages, all members of a community chat will be able to participate in conversations. Moderation features will be integrated, allowing admins to remove harmful messages and eject members to maintain a safe environment, as highlighted in the screenshots shared by Paluzzi. The community chats will also be subject to Instagram’s Community Standards review.
Currently, it remains unclear when or if this feature will be publicly launched, as an Instagram spokesperson indicated it is an internal prototype and not undergoing external testing. This is not the first community-based feature from Meta; WhatsApp has allowed “Communities” since 2022, followed by similar implementations on Facebook and Messenger. Mark Zuckerberg has previously stated that these features were designed to help users connect based on shared interests.
Paluzzi’s visual assets suggest that once established, community chats can be gated, permitting only approved users to join. Creators can also promote their community chats through their profile pages.
At present, the only community-focused feature available on Instagram is the broadcast channels system intended for creators, which permits the posting of updates in various formats, including text, videos, and images. Community Chats would enable broader participation, allowing fans and followers to share their insights similarly to Telegram channels or Discord communities.
However, moderation poses a significant challenge. Meta has faced criticism for its content moderation policies, especially concerning sensitive issues. Thus, enforcing consistent moderation in community chats may require diligent oversight from both admins and members.
Featured image credit: Brett Jordan/Unsplash
