Instagram is reportedly developing a new ‘Community Chat’ feature, allowing users to create interactive groups where followers can engage in real-time conversations. This upcoming feature, reminiscent of Discord’s community-based chat system, aims to enhance social interactions by organizing followers into structured discussion groups.
Instagram’s ‘Community Chat’ Feature: A New Way to Connect
According to app developer Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram is actively working on this Discord-inspired group chat feature, which will enable users to create Community Chats with up to 250 members. Unlike the current Broadcast Channels, which limit engagement to reactions and resharing, Community Chats will allow direct messaging and open discussions among group members.
Key Highlights of the Community Chat Feature:
✔ Group Size – Each Community Chat can host up to 250 members, creating an interactive space for niche discussions.
✔ Open Participation – Anyone can join and participate in these community-driven conversations.
✔ Interest-Based Grouping – Users can connect with like-minded individuals based on shared interests.
✔ Moderation Controls – Admins will have the authority to remove messages and members, ensuring a safe chat environment.
✔ Real-Time Interaction – Unlike Broadcast Channels, members can actively engage by sending messages rather than just reacting.
With this interactive approach, Instagram aims to bridge the gap between passive content consumption and active community engagement.
How ‘Community Chat’ Differs from Instagram’s Broadcast Channels
Instagram already offers the Broadcast Channels feature, where creators can share updates, videos, images, and polls with their followers. However, followers cannot directly interact within these channels—they can only react to content or share it on their profiles.
The Community Chat feature addresses this limitation by enabling two-way communication, similar to how Discord and Messenger Community Chats function.
Comparison: Community Chat vs. Broadcast Channels
| Feature | Community Chat | Broadcast Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Member Interaction | Yes, members can send messages | No, only admins can post content |
| Group Size | Up to 250 members | Unlimited followers |
| Moderation Controls | Admins can remove messages & members | Admins manage content only |
| Purpose | Interactive discussions | One-way content sharing |
This new feature is expected to significantly enhance engagement by allowing users to actively participate in topic-based conversations rather than just consuming content.
Community Chat Feature: Expected Rollout & Availability
At this stage, Instagram has not provided an official launch date for the Community Chat feature. A spokesperson from Meta confirmed to Engadget that the feature is currently undergoing internal testing, but no timeline has been disclosed for its public release.
Given that Meta already offers Community Chats on Messenger, it is likely that Instagram will follow suit and roll out this feature in the near future.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned TECHNOLOGY journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.