In the hopes of making it easier for users to keep in touch with their close friends, Instagram is developing a standalone messaging app , a new report claims.
The report, by The Verge , claims that the app is called Threads, and is being tested internally at Facebook , which owns Instagram.
The report explained: “Threads, which is designed as a companion app to Instagram, invites users to automatically share their location, speed, and battery life with friends, along with more typical text, photo, and video messages using Instagram’s creative tools.”
Screenshots of the app seen by The Verge indicate that it’s designed to promote constant sharing between users and their ‘Close Friends’ list on Instagram.
Users will have the choice to opt in to automatic sharing, in which case Threads will regularly update your friends about your location, speed, battery life and more.
While this sounds quite creepy, the report added: “At the moment, Threads does not display your real-time location — instead, it might say something like a friend is “on the move.’”
Alternatively, users can choose to update their status manually, in which case statuses will appear in the main feed alongside messages.
As well as messages, users will be able to view their Close Friends’ Instagram Stories within Threads, and even snap photos and videos from within the app.
It remains unclear when Threads will become available to users.
Instagram has declined to comment.
