Instagram confirms that it is testing a new photo-centric feature called Candid Challenge, which bears similarities to the increasingly popular BeReal app.

App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi revealed Candid Challenges, a feature that encourages users to share selfies every day at random times.
Candid Challenge only uses Instagram’s dual camera, which captures photos with front and back lenses at the same time.
Combining random photos and dual camera mode is the concept that the entire BeReal app is built around.

The idea is for people to create an authentic snapshot of where they are and what they are doing in the moment, hence the name “Be Real.”

Launched in 2019, BeReal topped Apple’s App Store in July 2019 and has been downloaded 28 million times.

BeReal has 21.6 million monthly active users, and 2.93 million users access the app daily.

Given BeReal’s rapid growth, it’s not surprising that better-known apps are starting to mimic its features.

We don’t know how far along Candid Challenge is in development or when it might launch, but Instagram confirms to Engadget that it is in testing as an “internal prototype.”

That means only people at the company can access it, as opposed to a live test with regular users.

It’s interesting to learn that Instagram is developing new features built around photo sharing after its recent promise to go wah-bang on video.
However, Instagram’s move to video is not getting a lukewarm reception from users, with loud influencers demanding that the app return to its roots.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, admits that the company has been leaning “too far” into video lately. Candid Challenge may be Instagram’s way of trying to quell criticism around too much video, while also trying to stay relevant to younger generations.

Known as Gen Z’s favorite app, BeReal is building a user base by developing a way for people to share authentic content with friends.

Another stumbling block for users is Instagram’s penchant for superficial content from users doesn’t follow. People want to see more content from their friends, family and favorite brands.

BeReal offers an experience that stands in stark contrast to Instagram.

Now, as it has many times, Instagram is cloning features from a nascent social media app that is appealing to today’s youth.

First came Stories, which was cloned from Snapchat. Then came Reels, which was cloned from TikTok. Soon we’ll have Candide Tels, which was cloned from BiRail.