Instagram has launched a new “Schools” feature in the U.S., a significant product update aimed at helping college students build community on their campuses. The feature allows students to add their college or university to their profile, and once verified, they gain access to a private, student-only directory. The directory, which can be filtered by class year, provides a way for students to connect with peers and classmates outside of their existing network, a move that is seen as an attempt to replicate the original, closed-network model that was key to Facebook’s early success.
To ensure the safety and authenticity of this private community, Instagram has partnered with UNiDAYS, a global student verification platform. This third-party verification process is required before a user can display their school banner or browse the directory, adding a crucial layer of trust and security. This move highlights a broader trend in social media of platforms creating more targeted, niche communities to increase user engagement and provide a safer online environment.
