La Instagram social network It is one of the most popular when it comes to sharing images and audiovisual content. Currently, the main brands and influencers use their services to promote different services, content and artistic or social proposals. But on top of everything, Instagram developers also have fun with some tricks and secrets, like the Arkanoid-like hidden game.
If you don't know the Arkanoid, the name may sound familiar to you Breakout. This is the original Atari title that basically consists of bouncing a ball and breaking different bricks on the screen. He hidden instagram game It is a version of Breakout that also allows you to optimize direct messages.
How to open the hidden Instagram game and what it is for
The Goal proposal, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, is to improve the overall experience with direct messages. And appeal to nostalgia as it is a tremendously popular game that can be enjoyed without age limits. In addition, Instagram has its largest number of users among those nostalgic for the 8 and 16-bit era. Which is why titles like Arkanoid or Breakout are ideal for remembering those times.
According to Statista database, 24,7% of the audience on the social network is between 35 and 45 years old. There are more than 1.200 billion registered monthly active users and among them the Instagram hidden game awakens joyful memories.
Steps to access the hidden Instagram game
In order to use the special Instagram feature inspired by Breakout First we need to have the latest update from the social network. The game is only available in the app versions for iOS and Android. If you want to activate it, you have to open the direct messages tray, choose a conversation and send an emoji.
When you touch it on the screen, the game will automatically appear on the screen, where the ball is replaced by the emoji. You can activate the hidden game also with received messages.
The emoji supplants the ball from the original Breakout. The title works by sending a single icon and some elements add animations and special effects for a more fun and visually attractive experience. Instagram saves the high score and next time, you can beat it whether you play with the same emoticon or some other design.
On the other hand, the recipient of the message will not know that we are playing. The new widget works on both iOS and Android, but access is not immediate. The latest update is the first step but there are also countries that do not have the function enabled yet.
Other Instagram features you should know
Although the Instagram hidden game is in itself a fun way to use the social network, there are also other very useful and popular additional functions. When using Instagram to interact with other users, we find a lot of content in the form of text, photos or videos that is worth keeping. That is why Mark Zuckerberg's company, responsible for Meta and therefore Instagram, offers some additional tools. They are designed to improve the privacy and control of your accounts.
Recently, the function was added to disable web tracking from third parties and other apps. This function can be activated from the Configuration or Settings section. In the first segment of options you must choose “More information in the account center” and then navigate the drop-down menu to enter “Your information and permissions”. From this section we can access “Your activity outside of Meta Technologies”. Here the user chooses how to manage the different data and information that the platform collects as we use it. Before configuring any aspect of this section, the app requests the user password. In this way, greater security is provided to the experience itself.
Download Instagram reels
Another not-so-known features of Instagram It is what allows you to download videos or audiovisual content called reels. The head of the application, Adam Mosseri, had already announced in November that they were going to activate the function to download reels. Today, with the update reaching different devices, it is possible to quickly and manually download any reel. The only thing you need to do is press the reel options with the arrow icon in the right side area. Choose the “Download” command and the video will become part of your downloads folder.
The reel is downloaded like a normal video in your gallery, and you can share it, edit it or simply play it again manually, without the need for an Internet connection. In relation to privacy and the care of minors, the download is configured as private by default. So other users cannot download your videos.
Activate dark mode
La Dark Mode settings on Instagram can help you protect your eyesight and avoid eye strain. The entire interface becomes dark and is easily activated from the Theme section. There are two display modes for Instagram, the light one, which is activated by default, and the dark one.
Strengthen security with two-step authentication
In case you want strengthen security and make access more difficult for other people who can find or use your mobile, you can activate the two-step authentication function. This is one of the most widespread and functional security measures in online applications and platforms. When activated, the attacker requires a second key that is immediately sent to the mobile. It's especially useful if someone steals your key and Instagram account.
- Access the Instagram Settings menu.
- Select the Security section and press the Two-Step Authentication option.
- Activate the method using SMS or authentication apps such as Google Authenticator.
With the Instagram hidden game and the additional features that are part of this article, you can get even more out of Instagram's extensive offering to position itself as your favorite social network.