Instagram has introduced a new feature called Instants, which allows users to share photos that disappear after being viewed. The feature is available within the main Instagram application globally, while a standalone app of the same name is being tested in select countries.
Feature Overview
Instants enables users to capture and share photos that disappear after the recipient views them once. Shared photos also expire automatically after 24 hours if not viewed. The feature is designed for sharing with close friends or mutual followers who follow the user back.
How It Works
- Users must take a new photo using the in-app camera; uploads from the camera roll are not permitted.
- No photo editing is available; users may only add text captions before sharing.
- Recipients can react with emojis, send replies, or send an Instant back in response. Replies are directed to Instagram's direct message inbox.
- Recipients cannot capture screenshots or screen recordings of Instants.
- An undo button appears immediately after sharing, allowing users to retract the photo before it is viewed.
- Users can temporarily stop receiving Instants from a specific person by swiping left on the icon in the inbox.
Access and Navigation
- Within the Instagram app, Instants is accessed from the direct message inbox by tapping a photo stack icon in the bottom right corner.
- Shared Instants appear as a stack of photos in the bottom right corner of the inbox.
Archive and Recaps
- Shared Instants are stored in a private archive visible only to the user for up to one year.
- Users can compile Instants from the archive into a recap and post it to Instagram Stories.
Standalone App Testing
Meta is testing a standalone application also named Instants in select countries on iOS and Android. The app was first reported to be available in Spain and Italy in April. Users log in with their existing Instagram account. Photos shared via the standalone app appear within the main Instagram application and vice versa.
A company spokesperson stated that Meta is "exploring multiple versions of Instants" and will evaluate community response.
Privacy and Safety
The feature incorporates Instagram's existing safety and privacy protections, including blocking and muting capabilities. For users with Teen Accounts, protections automatically apply, including:
- Screen recording and screenshot blocking
- Restricted access between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM
- Parental notifications when a supervised teen downloads the standalone Instants app
Background
Instagram has previously launched similar ephemeral features, including Snapchat-style Stories in 2016, the Bolt standalone messaging app in 2014, and Candid Stories (a BeReal-style feature) in 2020. The current Instants feature incorporates elements common to platforms such as Snapchat, Locket, and BeReal, focusing on unedited, temporary photo sharing.