Instagram might have a Snapchat-inspired feature soon

Instagram, despite being the most famous picture-sharing app, is also infamous for blatantly copying Snapchat features. Now the platform is testing a new feature dubbed Nametags that seems to be inspired fro Snapchat's Snapcode that was launched back in 2015. The new feature will allow Instagram users to create a custom tag using an emoji pattern. This tag can also be generated from an AR-based selfie or a simple page with several color options.

Once the feature is rolled out globally, users will be able to follow other users just by scanning that person's Nametag using app's camera. The process doesn't involve typing or request to follow a person. This will be a useful feature for people trying to build an audience.

Here's a demo video of Instagram Nametags, thanks to @genadyo. If you ever spot new features in popular apps, send me screenshots! https://t.co/CT4eOCL2xW

— Josh Constine (@JoshConstine) 9 April 2018

Besides, the company recently also announced that its app will undergo timeline changes based on the user feedback. The photo-sharing service will have a 'New Posts' button that lets the user manually refresh the feed. This will prevent the automatic refresh of the feed that results in missing out on many updates. Users will now be able to manually refresh the feed without the app doing it for them.

Another change is the one users have been waiting for a long time - a chronological timeline. The previous timeline algorithm sorted the feed according to what the app thinks the user would like to see instead of the more logical reverse chronological timeline as before. After, much criticism, Instagram will now show posts in order. Although it still won't be in a chronological order, it would still be better than the current timeline.

How to save Instagram photos without taking screenshots - GIZBOT

There also have been talks about the inability to share posts on Instagram such as retweet in Twitter and share on Facebook. A TechCrunch report has also tipped that the company is testing a similar function within its Stories feature. According to the report, users of Instagram can select a post on their feed and tap on a button in order to insert it as a part of their Stories. The quoted Stories can be customized with test, stickers, etc. before it is taken live. This is said to be called quote-Story. The report adds that those who check the story out and encounter the quote-Story can actually tap through to see the full view.