Mashable: Instagram, Meta's platform for sharing photos and videos, is planning to offer users a new way to access features before they are officially released.

Instagram may soon introduce a way for users to get early access to features https://t.co/71X5nkRLNi — Gadgets 360 (@Gadgets360) May 27, 2024

Currently, users can only join the Beta program for Android to test out Instagram's beta features that are still in the testing phase. However, with the rumored "early access" option, users may have the opportunity to try out upcoming features through a different method.

Developer Alessandro Paluzzi shared a screenshot on Threads, indicating that the option to join early access might be available in the Settings and activity tab. It is reported that the last option visible will be the new "early access to features."

Instagram's latest feature could potentially grant users the opportunity to test out experimental features ahead of time, much like Google Search Labs and YouTube Experiments.

Additionally, Paluzzi disclosed that the social media platform is actively striving to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) even more extensively into its application. There are indications that it might enable users to create chat themes using AI technology.

Currently, Instagram provides users the ability to customize chat themes using features like gradients and colors, in addition to offering unique themes.

A leaked screenshot reveals a fresh Create with AI feature, as well as other chat themes like Pickleball, Snack Party, and Minecraft. A comparable function is said to be in the works for WhatsApp, allowing users to select from five preset themes - blue, green (default), grey, red, and purple.

According to reports, this feature may be accessible through a new theme picker, where choosing a theme could alter the color and wallpaper in the chat's background.