Instagram is undergoing a significant transformation as the widely-used photo-sharing platform introduces new features. Recently, the app, owned by Meta, began testing a dedicated feed that exclusively showcases posts from verified users. In addition, the platform is now experimenting with a collaborative carousel post feature that allows users to invite friends to contribute to their posts.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, confirmed the testing of this new feature but did not announce a specific date for its launch. He emphasized that users would have the ability to invite their friends to add content to their carousel posts.
“Before posting a carousel, you can enable the option for your followers to submit photos and/or videos, which you can then approve to include in the post,” Mosseri mentioned in a Threads post. Accompanying his announcement was an image showcasing the test feature, which includes an ‘Add to post’ button located at the bottom left corner of a carousel post. Friends can click this button to submit their contributions. Additionally, users can swipe to the last slide of the carousel, which displays an enhanced ‘Add to post’ prompt for including photos or videos.
It is important to note that users can only add media to a friend’s carousel post if the feature has been enabled by the original poster. Furthermore, all submitted photos and videos require the approval of the initial creator.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced indicating that Meta is considering a subscription model for users in the European Union, with fees potentially reaching EUR 13 (approximately ₹1,130) per month for an ad-free experience on Facebook or Instagram via mobile devices. Currently, the ad-supported version of Instagram remains free for all users.
Recently, Instagram has encountered criticism regarding privacy concerns, security issues, and its effects on users’ mental health, particularly among young individuals. A report by Reuters last week disclosed that 33 states in the U.S. are suing Meta, claiming that the company has misled the public and intentionally designed its social media platforms, including Instagram, to be more addictive for children and adolescents. The lawsuit states that research links the usage of Meta’s platforms to issues such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and disruptions in education and daily life.
