Keep in mind just a few years in the past when Instagram launched a Snapchat-like characteristic to its app? Extra lately, the model introduced that it’s going to shift to a video-first strategy, presumably to compete towards short-form video platform TikTok.
Properly, at this time, Instagram is reportedly testing a characteristic that’s eerily near the trending platform BeReal. On this article, we’ll discuss what this might imply for entrepreneurs.
Is Instagram Turning into a BeReal Copycat?
Earlier than we get into Instagram, right here’s a quick refresher on BeReal.
This social media app has been round for just a few years but it surely solely took off this yr. The app has been labeled the anti-Instagram – encouraging customers to strip away the filters and the glitz, and be extra genuine.
Right here’s the way it works: The app makes use of a twin digicam characteristic – back and front cameras – and at a random time all through the day, customers can be prompted to take a photograph of their present atmosphere inside two minutes. They’ll’t add an image, it needs to be taken from the digicam.
Then, when you’ve shared, you’re in a position to see your mates’ posts who had been prompted on the similar time.
BeReal’s advert reads “No filters. No likes. No followers. No bullsh*t. No advertisements. Simply your mates, for actual.”
The shade towards Instagram isn’t precisely delicate but it surely does mirror a critique many customers have made, together with influencers like Kylie Jenner.
There’s even a change.org petition with over 300,000 signatures titled “Make Instagram Instagram Once more.”
Instagram has seemingly responded by testing a BeReal-like characteristic – amongst different ones. In July, the platform launched “Twin,” which permits customers to put up content material utilizing each the back and front cameras.
in an obvious try to repeat the favored app BeReal, Instagram is rolling out its personal characteristic (referred to as ‘Twin’) to take disappearing images utilizing the back and front cameras concurrently
left is IG tales, proper is BeReal pic.twitter.com/TuOeR3N0PE
— paris martineau (@parismartineau) July 28, 2022
At this level, the one similarity was the digicam side.
Nevertheless, just a few weeks later, developer Alessandro Paluzzi found that Instagram was testing “Candid Challenges,” a characteristic utilizing Twin that will even have a timed part prompting customers to share on their Story. Sound acquainted?
Instagram confirmed this in a brief statement, saying that it’s an inside prototype with no exterior testing at the moment.
#Instagram is engaged on IG Candid Challenges, a characteristic impressed by @BeReal_App 👀
ℹ️ Add different’s IG Candid to your story tray. And on a regular basis at a distinct time, get a notification to seize and share a Photograph in 2 Minutes. pic.twitter.com/caTCgUPtEV
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) August 22, 2022
Ought to entrepreneurs care about Instagram taking over BeReal?
The brief reply is it’s nonetheless too early to inform.
The primary purpose is that it’s nonetheless not clear whether or not BeReal is an acceptable platform for manufacturers. Because it stands, BeReal doesn’t have many (if any) brand-friendly instruments.
With Instagram doubtlessly adopting BeReal options, this might give the app the freshness and authenticity it’s been lacking recently.
That is excellent news for manufacturers, as they might proceed constructing on Instagram with out having to regulate to and develop on a brand new platform.
One TechCrunch article means that BeReal remains to be very a lot in its infancy part, scuffling with glitches that impression the consumer expertise.
Whereas BeReal may threaten Instagram’s dominance, it’s not fairly there but.
For now, it’s value keeping track of each platforms to see how their options evolve and consumer sentiment together with them.
