INSTAGRAM LAUNCHES INSTANTS APP FOR EPHEMERAL PHOTOS

AI DESK■ 1 MIN READ

FRI, APR 24, 2026

Instagram rolled out Instants, a standalone app for sharing disappearing photos, in Italy this week. The app follows a feature test within Instagram's main platform across select regions.

Instants allows users to share photos that vanish after a single viewing and disappear entirely within 24 hours. The app positions itself as a low-pressure alternative to existing ephemeral messaging platforms, drawing comparisons to Snapchat, Locket, and BeReal. Instagram's strategy mirrors its approach with other spin-off apps like Threads and Instagram Feed, testing features separately before broader rollout. By isolating disappearing photo functionality in a dedicated app, Meta can gauge user interest and refine the experience before potential integration into the main platform. The Italy launch represents Instagram's next step after piloting the Instants feature within its core app in limited markets. The move suggests Meta continues investing in ephemeral content sharing, a category that remains popular with younger users seeking less permanent social interactions.

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INSTAGRAM LAUNCHES INSTANTS APP FOR EPHEMERAL PHOTOS

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