Meta is once again positioning itself against competitors by developing a feature for Instagram, dubbed “Peek,” which integrates concepts from platforms like BeReal and Snapchat. This new functionality allows users to post genuine, unedited photos that are viewable only once. While Snapchat pioneered the notion of ephemeral content within social media, BeReal set the trend for sharing authentic, unaltered images. Meta, known for emulating successful ideas from startups and other tech companies, appears to be adopting a similar strategy with this latest feature.
“Peek” is currently an internal prototype, initially discovered by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, and is not yet available for external testing.
“Peek” seems to be a more fleeting version of Instagram’s Stories, limited to a one-time view rather than the standard 24-hour availability. A shared image using “Peek” must be captured in real-time with the device’s camera, prohibiting uploads from the camera roll, according to a screenshot from Paluzzi. Additionally, no edits or filters can be applied to these photos, aligning with the ethos popularized by BeReal.
This feature bears some resemblance to Instagram’s “Candid Stories,” which began testing in 2022 as a direct competitor to BeReal but was never fully rolled out. “Candid Stories” prompted users to capture and share their immediate activities without editing at a specified time each day. In contrast, “Peek” offers users the flexibility to share authentic moments spontaneously, without being bound by a predetermined timer.
Such flexibility might appeal to users who wish to share genuine content on their own schedule rather than responding to a random prompt. Instagram’s version of unedited photo-sharing could attract users, particularly in light of reports that BeReal is losing traction — allegations that BeReal disputes.
The functionality is portrayed in Paluzzi’s screenshot as a method for sharing “little moments with the people you love.” Instagram likely aims to encourage more diverse content sharing through this feature as it continues to vie with BeReal for user engagement.
As with any prototype, it remains uncertain when or if “Peek” will be publicly released. Should Instagram decide to launch the feature, it is possible that it could undergo modifications or be rebranded.