Instagram is going a step beyond beta testing, opening a public alpha version of the app. When it's accepting new members, it's easy to join.
Instagram has finally launched an alpha testing program for both its iOS and Android members, giving them early access to potential new features. The service previously had a beta program from which several recent upgrades originated, but an alpha program would be an even earlier, more experimental venture. Getting into the Instagram alpha is a relatively simple process when it's open, but official information on when those moments pop up is intentionally lacking.
Beta, alpha, and other similarly named preview versions of apps and programs are a major part of modern web development. While we most often hear about beta testing with respect to unreleased video games, almost all tech companies run early testing periods of some kind for users who don't mind taking the risk of running untested software. In the case of social media platforms offering betas, these systems usually mean giving users access to test features. These new upgrades don't always make it into the public version, but part of the fun is that we get insight into how these companies see their platforms progressing in the near future.
This Instagram alpha test is particularly interesting because the platform occupies an in-between role. It's known for bite-sized, visual posts rather than larger discussions one would expect from Facebook and Twitter, it's not as focused on the creation aspect of social posts as TikTok. There's opportunity for Instagram to lean more heavily in either directiohttps://screenrant.com/ios-14-iphone-beta-how-to-download-get/n but, given TikTok's ongoing drama, it's like that Instagram's alpha will reveal something more akin to that platform. Either way, you'll have to get into the program first.
The alpha program was originally launched a few weeks ago but public invitations didn't exist until a now-deleted Reddit post from an Instagram staff member. Since then, people have gained access to both the iOS and Android alphas by joining a Google Group and receiving an invitation. Joining the group seems to no longer be a requirement though, because, at the time of this writing, the link people were receiving through the group is functional for anyone with a Google account.
For now, at least, anyone who clicks this link can download the Instagram alpha on Android. Multiple sources on Reddit and other sites report that the iOS Instagram alpha is no longer accepting new members. iPhone owners would probably be best served by joining the Google Group and checking the resulting page for a link, or keeping a close eye on related subreddits and online communities for a word-of-mouth update.
