Instagram is developing a community chat feature similar to Discord, allowing users to create groups of up to 250 members to organize discussions. The unreleased feature is currently an internal prototype, as noted by developer Alessandro Paluzzi.
Details of community chat feature
Alessandro Paluzzi shared screenshots indicating that users can form community chats based on specific topics. Each community chat can host a maximum of 250 participants, and all members are able to engage in conversations, unlike Instagram’s existing broadcast channels, which are primarily for one-way communication from creators to followers.
The community chat feature includes moderation tools. Admins have the ability to remove messages and eject members to maintain a safe environment, as indicated in the screenshots. Instagram aims to align these chats with its Community Standards.
While the feature appears to mirror functionalities of platforms like Discord, its launch timeline remains uncertain. An Instagram spokesperson stated it is an internal prototype not currently in testing outside the company. Previously, Meta has introduced similar community-focused features in its apps, such as WhatsApp’s “Communities” and Facebook Messenger’s community chats.
Community chats will enable users to select admins responsible for moderating discussions and enforcing community guidelines. This includes the ability to remove inappropriate content and manage membership. Instagram will also monitor ongoing chat interactions against its content policies but has not specified potential disciplinary actions for violations.
Creators can choose to keep their community chat gated, restricting access to approved users. Additionally, users will have the option to promote their community chats on their profile pages.
The existing community feature on Instagram is the broadcast channels system, which allows creators to share updates with followers through text, video, and pictures. This system also includes engagement tools such as polls and the ability to invite other creators for live interaction. However, broadcast channels are restricted to professional accounts, and channel members cannot share their own posts, which emphasizes the potential role of community chats in fostering conversation among users.
Moderation will be a major challenge for this new feature. Meta has faced criticism previously for its handling of content moderation, particularly concerning sensitive issues, leading experts to question how effective management of community chats will be. The potential for problematic discussions in community chats, especially those with invite-only access, raises concerns about oversight.
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