All the new rumored Instagram features that might kick Snapchat's ass

Snapchat's ass-whooping is gonna continue.
 By 
Raymond Wong
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Snapchat is really, really screwed.

While Snapchat distracts itself with new Spectacles 2 camera glasses, Instagram is arming itself with new firepower to nuke the crap out of its adversary app.

Twitter user Jane Wong has done some digging through Instagram's code and in the process discovered several unreleased features that could be released in the future.

Instagram is reportedly testing these features with some users, but has yet to officially announce them. It's possible these features might never see the light of day. We've reached out to Instagram for comment.

But if Instagram does release them, Snapchat might be in deep trouble. The new features would give Instagram users more control over their account and content and further drive them to dump Snap.

Mute users

I'm pretty sure we all want the ability to mute a user without offending them with an unfollow. Whether it's a muting co-worker or annoying friend, giving users a mute button would be a godsend.

Slow-motion for Stories

Instagram Stories is already larger than all of Snapchat and adding new features will only further that lead. In recent months, Instagram's added a "Type" feature that lets users write text-based stories and a "Focus" feature that takes portrait-style photos and videos with a blurred background.

Next up? Maybe slow-motion.

Calendar view for Instagram Stories archive

Currently, you can see your archived Instagram Stories in a grid. But wouldn't it be nicer if it was a little easier to browse through? Enter: calendar view.

Calendar view looks like a much cleaner way to see how often you post to Stories.

Stories reactions

Facebook Stories lets you "react" to them with emoji and Instagram might soon, too.

Tagging Facebook friends in posts

I use Instagram because it's not Facebook, but there's clearly no avoiding the imploding social network. Wong spotted a feature that lets you tag your Facebook friends in your Instagram posts. You know, in case they're not on Instagram already.

Video calling

Rumor has it Instagram is preparing to bring a video calling feature to the app. Snapchat already lets users video call with each other and while this would be another catch-up feature, it'd be yet another way to keep locked within its walls. Who needs Snapchat, FaceTime or Skype if Instagram lets you do it?

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Raymond Wong

Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.

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