Instagram’s new “Instants” feature lets users send disappearing photos through direct messages with friends and followers.
WASHINGTON — Instagram is introducing a new feature aimed at encouraging users to share more spontaneous, unfiltered moments with friends.
The social media platform announced Wednesday the launch of “Instants,” a disappearing photo-sharing feature built into Instagram’s direct messages.
The feature allows users to send casual photos to close friends or mutual followers directly from their inbox. Unlike Stories, Instants disappear after they are viewed, although users can save them privately in an archive for up to a year.
Instagram said the goal is to make sharing feel more immediate and less curated.
“No edits, no pressure, just life as it happens,” the company said in its announcement.
Users can access Instants through a photo stack icon located in the bottom-right corner of their inbox. Photos can include captions but can’t be edited further. Friends can react, reply and share their own Instants, with responses sent through direct messages.
Instagram also added accompanying features including:
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An archive for privately saved Instants
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A recap tool that compiles archived Instants into a Story post
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An undo option to retract a photo before it is viewed
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A snooze setting to temporarily hide Instants from inboxes
The company said it has also been testing a standalone Instants app on iOS and Android in select countries. The app connects directly to Instagram accounts and is designed to give users quicker access to the camera.
Instagram says existing safety and privacy protections will apply to Instants, including block, mute and restrict settings. The feature is also integrated into Teen Accounts and parental supervision tools.
For teen users, time spent using Instants will count toward shared Instagram time limits, and Sleep Mode settings will continue to mute notifications overnight. Instagram also said Instants cannot be screenshotted or screen-recorded.