Instagram is reportedly testing a number of new features. The social media platform has been expanding its feature list at rapid rates as of recently, but it appears Instagram’s efforts are not yet over. New information reveals that the Facebook-owned platform is secretly testing up to 6 big new features for its Android and iOS apps.
Perhaps one of the most welcome features for users will be Instagram’s answer to Twitter’s retweet. The social network appears to be testing a new “Regram” button, which should allow users to re-post other people’s images and captions, while, in the process, also rendering useless many of the third-party apps that are designed with this feature in mind. Also in testing is an all-new GIF search for Instagram Stories. With this addition, users should be able to search for GIFs that can then be added to their respective Stories. Speaking of Stories, the social network looks to be planning an expansion of the archive feature that will see Instagram Stories included. However, users are expected to be able to archive these for longer than their usual 24-hour lifespan. Another interesting feature the social network is testing is a new Close Friends list, which will allow users to share posts and Stories with a small group of select users, in a similar way to DM groups. While on the topic of sharing, unsurprisingly the Facebook-owned company is also testing a new Share to WhatsApp button for posts, which will do just that. Lastly, bringing iOS users on par with Android users, Instagram looks set to introduce an iOS beta version of the app, allowing users to test early features before the final version is released.
These new features sum up the biggest changes Instagram is currently testing, but the company also appears to have a few smaller additions in the pipeline. Among these are new top emoji and top hashtag searches, as well as the ability to follow a certain hashtag. This will then include posts shared under the hashtags in users timelines. In addition to this, a new Pin Thread option will allow users to pin certain DM’s to the top, while emoji shortcuts for words are also set to be introduced. Finally, and perhaps the most unique addition of all, is a new “Add Coffee” option, though its purpose is currently unknown.
