Reserve engineering expert, Alessandro Paluzzi has found that Instagram is working on a new “Candid Challenges” feature which is inspired by BeReal. Currently, the new feature is an “internal prototype” and is not open for public testing.
In the wake of competition, especially from TikTok, Instagram has been introducing new features to increase engagement on the platform. To promote the Reels or videos on the app, the company recently added “Add Yours” stickers to Reels, support for cross-post on Facebook, and more.
However, users’ response to the app’s gradual transformation into TikTok has been negative. They want Instagram to stay a photo-sharing app. Maybe that prompted the company to copy BeReal, a popular photo-sharing app.
Instagram’s new “Candid Challenges” would come with dual camera support
As part of its effort to encourage users to share more videos or Reels, Instagram added dual camera support for users to record a video of their surroundings and their reactions at the same time with their smartphones’ front and rear cameras.
According to Paluzzi, the new “Candid Challenges” will come with dual camera support to capture pictures. Participants will receive notifications at multiple intervals throughout the day to take a photo of their surroundings. Upon proceeding with the prompt, the app’s camera will open the front and rear shooters for users to take a picture within two minutes to share where they are or what they are up to. All “Candid Challenges” media will appear in the participants’ Stories.
The description of Instagram’s upcoming feature is exactly like BeReal‘s functionality which allows users to share their “real life” in photos with family and friends.
“Everyday at a different time, everyone captures a photo within 2 minutes. Capture and post in time to discover what your Friends are up to.
The special BeReal camera is designed to take both a selfie and a frontal photo simultaneously.”
#Instagram is working on IG Candid Challenges, a feature inspired by @BeReal_App 👀
ℹ️ Add other's IG Candid to your story tray. And everyday at a different time, get a notification to capture and share a Photo in 2 Minutes. pic.twitter.com/caTCgUPtEV
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) August 22, 2022
The company’s spokesperson confirmed the feature’s development to Engadget. At this point, I can’t help but wonder if Meta has run out of creative minds to offer unique experiences on its services, especially for Instagram.
