Instagram has introduced a new photo-sharing format called “Instants,” resembling features from Snapchat and BeReal. Instants are uneditable, ephemeral photos that can be shared only with close friends or mutual followers. This feature is globally available from Wednesday in the Instagram app’s inbox and as a separate app being tested in select countries.
Users can find Instants by navigating to their DM inbox and looking for an icon or stack of photos. After posting, friends can react with emojis and messages, but the photo disappears after viewing and is protected from screenshots and screen recordings. Instants vanish after 24 hours but are archived for up to a year, allowing reshares via Instagram Stories. Users can undo or delete Instants post-sharing.
The Instants mobile app, tested in Italy and Spain since April, provides quick access to the camera, requiring only an Instagram account. Shared Instants appear across the app and Instagram, with ongoing developments based on user feedback.
According to Instagram’s testing and Adam Mosseri, Instants promote more casual and authentic daily moments sharing. While Instagram’s core is sharing personal moments, not many users post frequently on their profiles anymore.