Meta’s latest experiment copies core ideas from BeReal and Snapchat
Meta is once again trying to take on competitors by developing features that borrow concepts from other companies, in this case BeReal and Snapchat. The company is developing a feature for Instagram called “Peek” that will allow users to post real photos that can only be viewed once. While Snapchat popularized the concept of ephemeral content on social media, BeReal led the trend of posting authentic, unedited content. Meta is known for copying startups and other technology companies, and it looks like they’re doing it again with a new feature.
The social media company confirmed to TechCrunch on Friday that the feature was first discovered through reverse engineering. Alessandro Paluzziis an internal prototype and has not been externally tested.
Peak appears to be a more ephemeral version of Stories that is available for viewing 24 hours a day. According to the screenshot shared by Paluzzi, photos shared via Peek must be taken with the camera immediately as the camera cannot upload images from his gallery. Additionally, you cannot edit photos or add filters. This is a concept popularized by the rise of BeReal.
Peek looks similar to Instagram Candid story feature, began testing in 2022 to compete with BeReal. This feature was never rolled out to all users, but was essentially a clone of BeReal. This feature sends people a notification encouraging them to capture and share what they’re doing in the moment, without having to edit the image or add filters.
Where Candid Stories encouraged users to share authentic content at specific times each day, Peek lets you do it at your convenience.
This flexibility could be more appealing to users who are interested in sharing authentic content, but don’t want to share based on a random timer. Instagram’s twist on authentic photo sharing may appeal to users for the following reasons, among others: report BeReal suggested lose steam (which it claims is false).
A screenshot posted by Paluzzi notes that Instagram sees Peek as a way to “share small moments with the people you love.” Instagram likely hopes this feature will encourage users to share more types of content on the app and give it another shot at competing with BeReal.
As with other internal prototypes, it’s unclear when or if Instagram plans to release Peek publicly. Of course, if Instagram releases this feature, it may look different or change its name.