YouTube to rival Instagram: New feature discovered in code

Competition between Instagram and YouTube has been strong recently. While Meta tests longer videos for Instagram Reels, YouTube has started testing another feature related to videos. The new feature appeared under the name "Tamba" in version 21.44.534 of the Android application.

The discovered codes and findings show that the platform is testing a comprehensive social network infrastructure where users can directly communicate, follow each other, and manage profiles alongside video consumption. This indicates it will function similarly to Instagram. On the other hand, the "sandbox" statements found in the analyzed code lines confirm that Tamba is not yet an officially released service and remains in an experimental phase worked on by developers.

Which Social Features Are Being Tested with Tamba?

Data regarding the Tamba project aims to bring user interaction to direct messaging. Information in the code shows the platform plans to integrate the following features:

• Private Profile Management: Users will be able to create their own private profiles.
• Follow System: Users will be able to send follow requests to each other, approve incoming requests, and view their follower lists.
• Messaging Options: Alongside one-on-one text chats, users will be able to create group chats and send voice messages.

If these features are implemented, YouTube's internal interaction area will turn into a messaging channel independent of comment sections under videos.

38 New Icons and Interface Changes

Examinations of the application files revealed 38 new icon designs directly linked to Tamba. Differing from the current YouTube interface design, these icons feature wavy lines resembling hand drawings.

Additionally, icons prepared for home page, search, chat, and sticker functions show that the project is built on a visual language broader than a simple message window. The icons reportedly belong to the interface in development rather than the final design.

Shorts Can Be Watched from Within the Chat Window

Another technical detail identified in the Tamba code is YouTube Shorts integration. The developed features allow users to play shared Shorts videos without leaving the chat screen and leave a heart emoji on these videos.

This infrastructure transforms the habit of sharing video links into a model of simultaneous viewing and interaction within chat. Data in the code does not yet clarify whether Tamba will be offered as an integrated tab inside the main YouTube application or released as a standalone application.