Instagram's testing a new feature that steps on BeReal's turf

Instagram's ongoing quest to be anything other than itself has a new development. The app is now running internal tests of a feature that will randomly prompt users to take spontaneous selfies — a function that sounds a lot like social media photo app BeReal.

Spotted by developer and notable leaker Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram's new feature is called IG Candid Challenges. Similarly to BeReal, IG Candid will send a notification to users at a random time during the day, prompting them to take a photo with both their front- and rear-facing cameras. The resulting image will then be shared on their Instagram Story.

"Add other's IG Candid to your story tray," reads a screenshot Paluzzi shared via Twitter. "And everyday at a different time, get a notification to capture and share a Photo in 2 Minutes."

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An Instagram spokesperson confirmed to Engadget that the feature is an internal prototype, but did not comment further.

There's no indication of when IG Candid Challenges may roll out for a public test, or if it will even get to that stage at all. There's always the chance this feature will remain an internal test that Instagram's developers were simply toying with.

However, Instagram has made it a habit to try out other apps' features for size as of late, persisting with multiple significant and overwhelmingly negatively received changes regardless of user outcry. Most recently Instagram appears to be emulating TikTok, not only pivoting to video and implementing a full-screen feed, but also notably increasing the percentage of recommended posts shown to users.

If Instagram remains hellbent on competing with every single social media app that gains the slightest bit of popularity, it won't be surprising to see IG Candid pop up in your notifications in the future.