If you’re constantly direct-messaging your friends on Instagram, you’ll be happy to hear that the firm is testing a new standalone app, called Direct.
The app is similar to Snapchat and allows users to send photos and messages directly to their friends.
Direct, which is still just a test, will start rolling out today in six test countries – Chile, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey and Uruguay, today.
If you’re constantly direct-messaging your friends on Instagram, you’ll be happy to hear that the firm is testing a new standalone app, called Direct. The app is similar to Snapchat and allows users to send photos and messages directly to their friends
The new app was first spotted by The Verge today.
When users open the app, a camera will open that is identical to Instagram’s, but with four new exclusive filters.
Swiping left from this page will take you to the Account and Settings page.
And swiping right will take you to a list of chats, similar to the direct messaging feature in Instagram’s main app.
When you install Direct, your direct messages will automatically disappear from the main Instagram app, and an animation will take you straight to the Direct inbox.
This is very similar to what Facebook – which owns Instagram – did with its Messenger app.
The app is similar to Snapchat (pictured) and allows users to send photos and messages directly to their friends
In 2014, Facebook moved messaging out of its main app and into the separate, standalone Messenger app, in the hope of improving user experience.
Speaking to The Verge, Hemal Shah, a product manager at Instagram, explained: ‘We want Instagram to be a place for all of your moments, and private sharing with close friends is an important part of that.
‘Direct has grown within Instagram over the past four years, but we can make it even better if it stands on its own.
‘We can push the boundaries to create the fastest and most creative space for private sharing when Direct is a camera-first, standalone app.’
It is unclear when, or if, Instagram plans to launch Direct to all users.
MailOnline has contacted Instagram for comment.