Instagram tests 'Instants' for disappearing photo sharing

Instagram is reportedly testing a new standalone app called "Instants", marking its latest move into ephemeral, low-pressure social sharing— drawing parallels with Snapchat, BeReal and Locket.

The app, currently available in Italy and Spain on iOS and Android, is designed around sharing unfiltered photos and videos that disappear after being viewed once within a 24-hour window. According to its Google Play description, Instants encourages users to “share the realest moments” from their day, positioned as “real life, real quick”.

Users capture content directly through an in-app camera, with no option to upload from the camera roll. Editing tools are intentionally limited, with only basic text overlays allowed, reinforcing the app’s focus on authenticity over curation, according to media reports. 

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Content can reportedly be shared with mutual Instagram followers or Close Friends lists, which remain consistent across both Instagram and Instants. Posts can be viewed within the 24-hour period but disappear after being opened once, aligning closely with existing ephemeral formats in the social media space.

Meta has reportedly not confirmed plans for a wider rollout or desktop version. However, a spokesperson told Business Insider the company is exploring multiple versions of Instants to see what people like, adding that it aims to give people low-pressure ways to connect with friends.

While Instants is tied to Instagram accounts, users can reportedly access it either as a standalone app or through Instagram itself, reflecting Meta’s approach of testing features across formats before scaling.

The concept echoes features seen on Snapchat, BeReal and Locket— all of which have built engagement around real-time, unedited sharing. Reports noted that the app also mirrors Instagram’s earlier “Shots” feature, later rebranded to Instants within messaging, underscoring Meta’s continued interest in short-form, casual visual communication.

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Against the backdrop of its ongoing product experiments, Meta has also been testing monetisation angles within Instagram. Earlier this month, Meta had begun trialling a premium subscription plan called Instagram Plus in select markets. The paid tier includes features such as letting users view Stories anonymously, alongside insights into how many people have rewatched their Stories.

Subscribers are also able to build multiple audience lists for Stories, going beyond the standard Close Friends setup to better segment who sees what. Other features include extending Stories for an additional 24 hours and spotlighting a Story once a week to boost visibility at the top of followers’ feeds.

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