Instagram is testing a shared channels feature like Discord

Data miner Alessandro Paluzzi has discovered that Meta is developing a new "Community Chat" feature for Instagram that will allow groups of up to 250 members, Engadget reports.

This feature will work similar to channels in Discord, allowing users to create and manage chats on specific topics.

Unlike Instagram broadcast channels, where creators maintain a channel for their followers only, community chats will allow anyone to post. The feature also includes moderation tools. Admins will be able to delete messages and block users to help keep the channel safe.

It's unclear when exactly this feature will launch, or if it will launch at all. An Instagram spokesperson noted that this is an internal prototype that is currently being tested only within the company.

Meta has previously released similar features to other apps. WhatsApp began experimenting with Communities in 2022, and later that year launched Communities Chat on Facebook and Messenger. Mark Zuckerberg said at the time that the feature was designed to help people find "a new way to connect with people who share your interests."