Instagram’s ‘Flipside’ Experiment: Testing a Feature Allowing Users to Integrate an Alternative Account Within Their Existing Profile
Testing the Waters: Instagram’s ‘Flipside’ Feature in Trial Phase, Wider Rollout Hinges on User Response
Instagram, owned by Meta, has been progressively enhancing privacy features for its users. Following the expansion of the Close Friends feature, which allows users to limit their posts to a select group, Instagram is now testing a new addition called “Flipside.” This feature, currently in the testing phase, aims to further personalize the user experience, according to Instagram Head Adam Mosseri. The Flipside feature would enable users to create a secondary photo grid visible only to designated friends, serving as an alternative account within their existing profile. This segregated space will allow users to share more personal pictures and videos with a select group of followers and friends.
In a Thread post on January 29, Mosseri confirmed the ongoing testing of the Flipside feature. He acknowledged the potential benefits of creating a more private space while recognizing the additional layer it introduces for reaching a smaller audience, alongside secondary accounts and Close Friends. Mosseri emphasized the importance of user feedback during the testing phase to inform potential iterations and improvements.
In a related development, a social media consultant shared a video showcasing the Flipside tool, providing a glimpse into how users can create a private segment within their Instagram profiles. This segment would serve as a designated space for sharing more personal content with a specific subset of friends.
While the feature is currently in testing and not confirmed for a wider release, the consultant highlighted that Flipside essentially brings the concept of “finstas” (alternate personal Instagram accounts) to a broader Instagram audience. As Instagram continues to explore innovative features, Flipside represents a potential evolution in the platform’s approach to balancing privacy and personalization, catering to the diverse needs of its user base.
The Flipside was first spotted in development in December last year by noted developer Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) with a series of mockups shared on X. As per the images, Flipside refers to “a new space just for you and your friends” where “only the people you choose can see this side of your profile and what you share here.” Followers can access the Flipside account of a user by tapping on a button or swiping down on their main profile.
Like the main account, users would be able to set up different profile pictures and bios for their Flipside for a select number of viewers. The community guidelines from Instagram would apply to the new space as well.
