Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Instagram recently launched a new feature called "Instants," marking the company's latest push toward more casual and private social sharing.
Launched globally on May 13, 2026, Instants allows users to send spontaneous, disappearing photos to close friends or mutual followers directly through Instagram's messaging system.
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The feature is also launching as a standalone mobile app in some countries, signaling Instagram's attempt to compete more directly with apps like Snapchat and BeReal.
This feature draws heavily from Snapchat and BeReal, creating a hybrid experience for pressure-free sharing. Each photo is a quick snapshot of what's happening in the moment, rather than a curated highlight reel.
What Exactly is the Instants Feature?
According to Meta, Instants is designed to encourage "spontaneous" sharing rather than the tightly curated posts typically associated with traditional Instagram feeds.
Users can only take photos in real time using the feature's built-in camera, with no option to upload older images from their gallery.
While captions can be added, Instagram has deliberately removed filters, beauty edits, and advanced editing tools to create what it calls a more authentic social experience.
Photos disappear after being viewed and expire completely after 24 hours.
How to Access the Instants Feature?
This new feature appears within Instagram's direct messaging tab, where users can access a small stack of photos to send an "Instant."
Recipients can view the image only once, react with an emoji, or reply privately via direct message.
Instagram also introduced screenshot restrictions and the option to unsend a photo before opening it.
Shared Instants are archived privately for up to a year, allowing users to later compile them into a Story if desired.
Using Instants is incredibly easy.
Open the app, tap the in-app camera, take your photo without any editing options, and choose who can see it.
You can share with Close Friends or mutual followers directly through your inbox.
Recipients will see the photo only once and can react by sending a message or emoji in response.
Instants Availability: Android and iOS
Meta confirmed that Instants is rolling out globally today on iOS and Android.
Initial testing took place in Spain and Italy before the global rollout began this morning.
All Instagram users worldwide will gain access in the coming hours as the feature rolls out to Meta's servers.
Availability may vary slightly by region, but May 13, 2026, marks the official global launch date.
Meta said the company hopes Instants will appeal to younger users who increasingly prefer private, low-pressure communication to public posts.