Instagram has launched Instants, a new standalone app for sharing disappearing photos, in Italy and Spain. The app, which opens directly to the camera, allows users to send photos or short videos that vanish after one view and expire after 24 hours.
Meta describes Instants as a “low-pressure” tool for connecting with friends over everyday moments, with the tagline “Real life, real quick”. Users log in via their Instagram account and share with mutual followers or Close Friends only; no editing, filters, or camera roll uploads are permitted, though text overlays are allowed.
“We’re exploring multiple versions of Instants to see what people like, and will listen to our community,” a Meta spokesperson told Business Insider. The company has not disclosed plans for a U.S. or global rollout.
Instants evolved from an internal prototype first reported in February and builds on Instagram’s earlier “Shots” feature for ephemeral DM sharing. Available on iOS and Android, it echoes Snapchat’s core mechanics while integrating with Instagram.
This marks Meta’s latest foray into ephemeral sharing, following Stories and Reels. Screenshots trigger notifications, but content metadata remains with Meta.
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