Instagram will add notes, groups and a new BeReal-style story format to the app

Instagram has announced new features coming in 2023. They are already being tested in selected countries.

The social network Instagram has introduced a set of new features: an updated format of Candid Stories, groups and the publication of short notes. Instagram has been testing these features in 2022. Candid Stories will be launched first in South Africa, according to The Wall Street Journal. The feature allows users to share natural shots that are taken in two minutes. The BeReal app that gained popularity in 2022 offers the same opportunity.

Notes will not be Twitter's alternative as they are limited to 60 characters of text and emoji. They will not be visible in the feed, they can only be shared with a limited group of people. Notes will appear as small chat bubbles above your Direct profile photo and will look more like social media statuses than tweets.

The groups will be called "group profiles" and anything shared by the members will be available only to them. They are already being tested in Canada, Chile and Taiwan, according to the WSJ. Instagram is also testing a feature called "Shared Collections" that will allow you to save posts in groups or private conversations.