Instagram is testing a Discord-style “community chats” feature:
Instagram has announced that it is testing a new feature called “Community Chats,” which aims to provide a Discord-like experience within the Instagram app that aims to enhance communication between users in ways similar to Discord.
This feature allows users to create discussion groups around specific topics, with control over who joins, and a maximum of 250 people per group.
Community Chat is different from Instagram’s current “Broadcast Channels” feature, which allows creators to send messages to their followers without the ability to interact directly. In contrast, Community Chat allows all members to actively participate in conversations.
To ensure a safe communication environment, the feature includes built-in moderation tools that enable moderators to delete messages and remove members when necessary. Additionally, Instagram will review these conversations according to its Community Standards.
What is the community chat feature?
Community chat is a built-in function within messaging apps or social media platforms that aims to create organized group conversations between members interested in a specific topic, whether it is in the fields of education, work, entertainment, or even community initiatives.
The most important features of community chat:
Organize conversations easily
This feature allows you to create groups or sub-channels within the main chat, making it easier to sort conversations according to different topics, such as news, events, FAQs, and general discussions.
Promote interaction between members
It provides a suitable environment for exchanging opinions and ideas, where members can post messages, share media, and interact through emojis and reactions.
effective community management
Moderators or managers are usually appointed who can moderate content, moderate discussions, and ensure that members adhere to group policies.
Custom notifications
Members can choose to receive notifications only on topics that interest them, reducing inconvenience and improving the user experience.
Integration with other features
This feature is often integrated with collaborative tools such as document sharing, event scheduling, and direct links to useful resources, enhancing member productivity.
The importance of community chat in the future:
As the need for effective and organized communication grows, community chat is expected to continue to evolve, with improvements in AI, security, and integration with VR and AR technologies.
Key features of this feature:
Expanded groups
The feature allows users to create groups of up to 250 people.
Specialized conversations
Sub-chats can be created within the group around specific topics, making it easier to organize discussions.
Membership control
Group admins have the ability to control who can join the group.
Supervision tools
The feature includes moderation tools, such as deleting messages and removing members, to ensure a safe environment.
Content monitoring
Conversations are reviewed by Instagram according to its Community Standards.
Similarities to Discord:
The feature is similar to Discord in the idea of creating communities with common interests, and organizing conversations into specialized channels.
The feature provides tools for moderation and control of membership, as in Discord.
Differences with broadcast channels:
This feature is different from Instagram’s current broadcast channels, which only allow creators to send one-way messages.
Community Chats provide an interactive environment open to all members to engage in discussion.
Feature availability date:
So far, the company has not announced a specific date for the launch of this feature or confirmed its official availability. An Instagram spokesperson stated that the feature is still in the internal prototype stage and has not yet been tested outside the company.
Meta, the owner of Instagram, has introduced similar features in its other apps. In 2022, WhatsApp began testing the “Communities” feature, while Facebook and Messenger introduced the “Community Chat” feature later that year, with the aim of helping users connect with people who share the same interests.
Community chat is not just a means of communication, it is a powerful tool for enhancing interaction and collaboration between individuals in an organized and productive environment. As technology continues to evolve, this feature will become more important in our digital lives.
Instagram’s community chats are a powerful way to foster connection and interaction between people with common interests, helping to build more connected digital communities. As their use increases, it becomes increasingly important to manage these chats responsibly to maintain a positive and safe environment. While this feature provides opportunities for expression and engagement, getting the most out of it requires an awareness of responsible use and the importance of respecting others.