Instagram, owned by Meta, is currently in the testing phase for a new feature called “Flipside.” This feature aims to address concerns around ‘finstas’ while providing users with a more private avenue to share content exclusively with close friends and family.
Meta Executive Adam Mosseri responded to inquiries about Flipside potentially coming to Threads, stating, “We’re not even sure we’ll launch it on Instagram. On one hand, it feels good to create a clear space that feels more private. On the other, it’s yet another way to reach a smaller audience on top of secondary accounts and Close Friends. We’ll see how people respond in the test, and iterate forward.”
While the Instagram Head expressed uncertainty, a Meta Executive confirmed to TechCrunch that the company is indeed testing this feature. According to the spokesperson, Meta is continuously exploring new ways for people to connect with friends on Instagram. The decision to test Flipside stems from user feedback expressing a desire for more options for sharing in private spaces.
Understanding Flipside:
The concept of Flipside surfaced when reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi shared development screenshots in December. These screenshots suggest that Instagram may position Flipside as “a new space just for you and your friends,” emphasizing that “only the people you choose can see this side of your profile and what you share here.”
A recent video shared by social media consultant Matt Navara demonstrates how Flipside functions. The feature serves as an alternative profile, allowing users to share reels or posts visible exclusively to a select group of people.
The ‘Finsta’ Connection:
Flipside appears to be a response to the challenge of ‘finstas’—fake Instagram accounts often created by individuals, including celebrities, to engage with close friends. The term gained prominence in 2021, leading to questions during a congressional hearing about Meta’s commitment to addressing the finsta issue.
As Instagram navigates the testing phase of Flipside, it remains to be seen how users respond to this new feature designed to enhance privacy and cater to the demand for more selective content sharing on the platform.