NEW YORK (Kashmir English): The Meta-owned photo-sharing app, Instagram, is testing a feature called “Read-Only Mode.”
The report states that in Read-Only Mode, users will not be able to use basic features such as liking, commenting, messaging, following, or viewing stories.
In essence, Read-Only Mode is somewhat similar to Incognito Mode, allowing users to browse the social media platform without leaving any digital footprint.
According to the report, this new feature will likely be available for “Instagram Plus” accounts—Instagram’s paid monthly subscription service.
An Instagram spokesperson stated that Read-Only Mode is currently being tested internally and is not yet available to users.
The spokesperson added that it is too early to say whether the feature will be officially launched, noting that the company frequently tests various features.
‘Instants’ arrives on Instagram with disappearing photo experience
Earlier, Instagram officially launched its new photo-sharing feature, Instants, specifically for Generation Z.
The Meta-owned app has introduced the feature within Instagram and as a separate ‘Instants ’ app. The main purpose of this feature is to allow users to share content in an informal and private way with their close friends or mutual followers.
Instagram Instants allow users to share photos that can only be viewed once, after which they disappear permanently. This feature is different from Instagram Stories because Stories can be viewed for 24 hours, while Instant photos disappear instantly like Snapchat’s system.
The special thing about this feature is that no filters, stickers, or text overlays can be used in it, as the company aims to present unpolished moments precisely.
To use this feature, users need to go to Instagram’s Direct Messenger and click on the ‘Mini Photo Stack’ icon, from where they can select the audience of their choice and take a picture.
According to Tessa Lyons Lang, Instagram’s Vice President of Product, the feature has been developed keeping in mind the trend of younger users preferring to share content in private groups rather than public posts.
Users can also collect these Instant Photos in the form of Collections and have the option to share them later as Stories.
