A photos-only mode for Facebook's mobile application is under testing and it would let users see algorithmically suggested photos in a feed similar to its photo sharing platform Instagram. The feature, named "Popular Photos", affixes an endless scroll of algorithmically selected images from friends beneath the full-screen view of a photo opened from the News Feed. The result is an experience that is similar to Instagram feed, Tech Crunch has recently reported. A mode was first spotted in October and the trial has since concluded. The new feature is being worked on with future tests in mind.

The company refused to disclose more details or its motives for Popular Photos. Given Facebook already has Stories, messaging, profiles, and its IGTV-esque Watch video hub, it's only the Explore tab and a dedicated media feed that are missing from it being a full clone of Instagram, the report added.

Facebook had already announced the launch of  Threads, a new messaging app for Instagram users available for iPhone and Android users. Threads is a camera-focused app that allows Instagram users to share their status or quickly send photos and videos to people they’ve added to their list of close friends.

“For your smaller circle of friends, we saw the need to stay more connected throughout the day, so you can communicate what you’re doing and how you’re feeling through photos and videos,” the company had stated in a blog post. “That’s why we built Threads, a new way to message with close friends in a dedicated, private space.”