"Instagram Users May Soon Get Early Access to Experimental Features: Report"

Instagram users could potentially receive early access to experimental features, according to a recent report.

Instagram, Meta's popular photo and video sharing platform, is reportedly considering a new way for users to access experimental features, as per recent leaks. Currently, testers can only participate in the Android Beta program to try out Instagram's beta features that are in the testing phase. However, with the rumored introduction of "early access," users might have the opportunity to experiment with features still in development through an alternative method.

A screenshot shared on Threads by developer Alessandro Paluzzi indicates that the option to opt into early access may be available within the Settings and activity tab. Allegedly, a new "early access to features" option is visible as the last choice.

This new option could potentially mark Instagram's move towards granting users early access to its experimental features, akin to platforms like Google Search Labs and YouTube Experiments.

Paluzzi also disclosed that the social media platform is actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its application. There are reports suggesting that it might enable users to generate chat themes using AI.

Currently, Instagram offers users the ability to customize chat themes with options like gradients and colors, alongside special themes. A screenshot shared by the leaker reveals a new "Create with AI" option among other chat themes such as Pickleball, Snack Party, and Minecraft.

A similar feature was reportedly in development for WhatsApp, allowing users to select from five preset themes - blue, green (default), grey, red, and purple. According to the report, this feature might be accessible via a new theme picker, with selecting a theme potentially altering the color and wallpaper in the chat background.

Upcoming Instagram Cross-Posting Feature

In another recent development, Instagram is said to be working on introducing cross-posting functionality to the platform. This feature would purportedly enable users to share content from Instagram to Threads, Meta's microblogging platform, which directly competes with X (formerly Twitter).

The report speculates that this feature would not be enabled by default, and users may need to opt-in to utilize it. It is expected to function similarly to the cross-posting functionality between Instagram and Facebook.