Instagram Launches Instants, a Snapchat-Style App for Disappearing Photos

Meta has launched Instants, a new standalone application integrated with Instagram that allows users to send unedited, disappearing photos. Available on iOS and Android in select countries, the app is accessible via Instagram’s direct messaging tab and leverages existing Close Friends lists. Instants is designed as a conceptual clone of Snapchat, emphasizing ephemerality and raw moments similar to BeReal, while explicitly prohibiting filters or retouching. This marks a significant shift for Instagram, historically known for its aesthetic filters. The article highlights that the app’s privacy features, such as blocked screenshots and the ability to unsend images, are likely to encourage the sharing of explicit content or 'thirst traps' among adult users. Although governed by the same community guidelines as the main platform, the private nature of Close Friends interactions may bypass stricter public moderation. The app supports only still images, offering a sparse interface focused on immediate camera access. Despite security limitations, such as the potential for external screen recording, Instants represents an evolution in ephemeral social media, targeting users seeking more authentic and private sharing experiences within their trusted circles.