KakaoTalk Update Draws User Complaints Over Instagram-Like Features

KakaoTalk, South Korea's dominant messenger app, is facing user complaints over several features introduced in its recent update that bear a resemblance to those of other social media platforms (SNS).

The latest update makes KakaoTalk's screen layout when viewing a friend's updated profile highly similar to Instagram's Story feature, even mimicking the auto-play function. Users have reacted to this sudden change, expressing discomfort.

KakaoTalk explained that the design improvements are intended to allow users to more intuitively check their friends' recent updates. The company added that viewing a friend's updated profile does not leave a trace in the viewing history.