Instagram announces Instants, new feature to send instant photos that expire
ABC News
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Instagram has launched a new feature called Instants, designed for quick photo sharing. These images are ephemeral, disappearing after a short duration, aiming to foster spontaneous communication on the platform.
- Instagram, owned by Meta, introduced Instants on Wednesday, marking a significant addition to its suite of sharing tools. This feature allows users to capture and send photos that vanish after being viewed, a format popularized by other messaging applications. The move is seen as an effort by Instagram to compete with rivals that offer similar disappearing content options. The primary benefit of Instants is the ability to share moments in real-time without the permanence of traditional posts, potentially encouraging more frequent and casual interactions among users. This aligns with Meta's broader strategy of integrating diverse communication methods across its social media properties, aiming to keep users engaged and active within its ecosystem.
