Meta launched the Instagram Insta feature globally on Wednesday. It lets users send unedited photos that disappear after being viewed, or expire after 24 hours.
The company said Instants can be accessed from the bottom-right corner of the Instagram inbox. There, users tap a small stack of photos, take a real-time picture and share it with Close Friends or mutual followers.
Meta said Instants cannot be edited before sharing, though users may add captions. Recipients can react with emojis, reply by direct message, or send an Instant back, according to the Meta announcement.
The feature does not allow recipients to screenshot Instants. Additionally, Meta gives senders an undo option immediately after sending, according to Meta’s rollout details.
Say hi to Instants 👋 A new way to share in-the-moment pics with friends. Tap the mini pile of photos at the bottom right corner of your DMs to try it yourself 👀
Rolling out today. pic.twitter.com/zbhsOA9O9m
— Instagram (@instagram) May 13, 2026Shared Instants are saved privately in the sender’s archive for up to one year. Later, they can be used in recaps or posted to Instagram Stories, Meta said.
Meta is also testing a standalone Instants app in select markets on iOS and Android. The app opens directly to the Instagram camera and works through an existing Instagram account, according to Meta and TechCrunch.
The Verge reported that the separate app is being tested in countries including Italy and Spain. Meanwhile, Insta Stories shared through the app also appear inside Instagram for friends.
Tech analysts compared the feature to Snapchat and BeReal. This is because it centres on private, temporary, unfiltered sharing rather than edited feed posts.
