We understand it is challenging to imagine that Facebook would ever want to limit your Instagram experience to your close friends. But on off chance, what if it does? And what if Facebook is looking at it more like a privacy measure than anything else? We tell you why we think so: Facebook is secretly working on a new, standalone messaging app for Instagram called Thres. Interestingly eugh, news broke amid Facebook's pivot to a more private and secure social network. Previously, Mark Zuckerberg outlined his privacy vision for company to offer an encrypted and more unified communication experience across Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram.

While we kw that primarily, Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking platform. That is perhaps why Facebook is looking at more ways to progress with Instagram in future. Last year, Facebook did same thing with IGTV, Instagram's video-only platform. (Though users can post videos on main Instagram app as well - making it a lot more confusing). So, it is somewhat convenient to imagine Instagram offering three different apps in future: One for videos, one for photos (and videos, again) and one for messaging. neless, more Facebook apps could be around corner.

Instagram 'Thres'

Facebook is reportedly developing Instagram Thres to "promote constant, intimate sharing between users and ir closest friends." Facebook may have designed Instagram in such a way that it is expected to act more like a companion app to Instagram. But it remains to be seen what happens to Instagram's in-app messaging feature in days to come. In May, Instagram stopped working on its standalone messaging app Direct. Meanwhile, Thres is expected to allow users to share ir location, battery status and more with ir friends.

(Picture: Verge)

So why w?

In his privacy vision earlier, Zuckerberg proposed a shift to private and encrypted communication services where "messs and content won't stick around forever." Here is what Zuckerberg h to say:

"I believe future of communication will increasingly shift to private, encrypted services where people can be confident what y say to each or stays secure and ir messs and content won't stick around forever. This is future I hope we will help bring about."

Well, this whole concept of ephemeral messaging is t new. Snapchat alrey has it. If you are a Snapchat user, you kw alrey how it works. If that's indeed case, Facebook might want to limit Instagram Thres to your 'close friends.'

Where does Instagram come into picture?

According to numerous reports and studies, many users have h stopped using Facebook rar spend more time on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Instagram allows users to share ephemeral 'stories' with ir 'close friends.' This way, Instagram kws about who your close friends are. It can also push you for more quality interaction with people in your close circle, courtesy of Thres.

"Instagram is about capturing moments. People don’t open Instagram to find out your company’s business hours or to see if ir friends have been to your store. y use Instagram to eng. That’s what makes it so effective for building your brand and gaining popularity," Sprout Social, a social media manment firm stated before.

Why separate apps?

Facebook is kwn for launching separate apps. Facebook did something with Messenger a few years ago. After Facebook spun Messenger out of its main app, users were forced to use Messenger to be able to continue chatting with ir friends. re is a possibility Facebook may be doing same thing with Instagram Thres.