Instagram is testing Community Chats for group conversations
With up to 250 members allowed in a community, it could rival offerings from platforms like Discord and Telegram.
Instagram is shaking things up again with a new feature called Community Chat, and if you’re thinking, Wait, isn’t that just another group chat? Well, not quite.
Think of it as Instagram’s answer to Discord servers or Telegram channels—places where users can gather around shared interests, chat in real time, and engage beyond just comments and DMs. Unlike Instagram’s current broadcast channels, which only let creators post updates to followers, Community Chats will be fully interactive, allowing anyone in the group to contribute.
The feature will support up to 250 members per chat and will include moderation tools. Admins will be able to remove messages, block users, and enforce community guidelines. On top of that, Instagram itself will be monitoring chats for policy violations, though it’s unclear what kind of enforcement actions it will take.
Louis Eriakha
This could be crucial, given Meta’s history of struggling with content moderation across its platforms. While Community Chats offer an exciting way to foster engagement, they also open the door to potential challenges, such as the spread of misinformation or toxic discussions. Other platforms have tackled similar community-driven features with mixed success. Telegram has long been a favorite for open discussion groups but has also been criticized for its lenient moderation, even going through legal troubles because of it. Discord, on the other hand, gives server owners extensive control over chatrooms but has still faced issues with managing harmful content. Meta will need to strike the right balance between fostering engagement and maintaining a safe space for users. For now, the feature is still in internal testing, so there’s no official launch date. If rolled out successfully, Community Chats could transform how Instagram users connect, making the app more than just a place to scroll—it could become a true hub for conversation.
