Meta launches Instagram Instants, a Snapchat rival: Features, how it works and availability details
Follow UsInstants lets users send unedited photos that disappear after being viewed or within 24 hours.
The feature blocks screenshots and screen recordings while offering undo and archive options.
Meta is rolling out Instants globally on Instagram, with a standalone app available in select countries.
Meta has finally introduced a new feature called Instants. The new app aims to make photo sharing more spontaneous and private among close friends and mutual followers. The feature allows users to send disappearing real-time photos directly via Instagram and a separate companion app without relying on heavily edited uploads or public posts. Here is everything that you should know.
SurveyWhat is Instants?
Instants is Instagram’s new camera first sharing feature focused on temporary and real-time photo sharing. Unlike the Stories or feed posts, users cannot upload existing images from their gallery or heavily edit the photos before sending them. The feature is designed to encourage more authentic and casual interactions between friends.
The company has also launched a dedicated Instants app in select countries for Android and iOS users. The app connects directly with Instagram accounts and gives users quick access to the Instants camera interface.
How Instants works
The users can get Instants from their Instagram inbox or via a standalone app. After opening the feature, they can instantly capture a photo using the live camera. While users can add captions, further editing tools are restricted.
Once captured, the photo can be shared with either Close Friends or mutual followers. The recipients get the photo inside their inboxes in the form of stacked image previews. They can respond with emoji reactions, reply with messages, or send their own Instants back.
The shared images disappear after being viewed and are no longer accessible after 24 hours. Instagram also says screenshots and screen recordings are blocked for Instants. Users additionally get an undo option which allows them to remove a photo before it opened.
Instants features
Instagram says shared Instants will remain saved in a private archive visible only to the sender for up to one year. Users can also compile archived Instants into recap posts and share them later as Instagram Stories.
The feature additionally supports controls such as Block, Mute, Restrict, reporting tools and content filters. Teen Accounts and Family Center supervision settings will automatically extend to Instants as well. Instagram says teen users will continue to have protections such as sleep mode restrictions, daily usage limits and parental supervision notifications.
The company has started rolling out Instants globally within Instagram, while the standalone app is currently limited to select markets.
