Instagram is introducing a new feature designed to help college students connect with others on their campus. The company announced the launch on Tuesday. This release comes just one week after TikTok rolled out a nearly identical feature.
The new option allows students in the United States to add their college or university to their profile banner. Once added, they can browse a list of other students at their school. To use the feature, students will see an ‘Add School’ option on their profile. Clicking it starts a verification process completed through the student verification platform UNiDAYS. After verification, students can display their school on their profile and choose who is able to see it.
Once the school banner is added, users gain access to a directory of other confirmed students. Instagram states this directory is designed to make it easier to find classmates and connect with others. Users can choose to browse the entire school or filter the list by graduation year.
Both Instagram’s and TikTok’s new college-focused features are reminiscent of Facebook’s early days. The idea is to create a space for students to connect with others on campus, which was essentially the original mission of Facebook when it launched in 2004 for Harvard students.
The feature’s launch does not come as a surprise, as Instagram was spotted developing it last year. While these features may be welcome additions for students looking to find friends, they may also raise privacy concerns. They could potentially make it easier for people to track others online. Fortunately, the new features are optional. Those who prefer to keep their online presence separate from their student life can choose not to add their school to their profile on either platform.
It is also worth noting that some users may not be fond of the new Instagram feature, as it adds yet another layer to an already overcrowded application.