:

INSTAGRAM LAUNCHES 'INSTANTS' SNAPCHAT CLONE APP

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
FRI, APR 24, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Instagram has rolled out a new standalone app called Instants in Italy and Spain, featuring disappearing photo sharing similar to Snapchat. The app allows users to send photos that vanish after 24 hours and can only be viewed once.

Instants is now available on iOS and Android in both markets. The app focuses on ephemeral photo sharing, a core feature of Snapchat that Instagram has repeatedly attempted to replicate across its platforms. Meta has not disclosed plans for expanding Instants to other regions or releasing a desktop version. The company has a history of testing Snapchat-inspired features, including Stories across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. This marks Meta's latest effort to compete with Snapchat's core functionality through dedicated apps rather than in-app features. Whether Instants gains traction or remains a regional test depends on user adoption and Meta's commitment to broader distribution.

■ SOURCES

The Verge

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE BIG TECH DESK

The U.S. is tightening restrictions on foreign-made drones and robots to protect domestic interests. China's manufacturing advantage means restricted markets may simply relocate elsewhere rather than shift to American producers.

1H AGOIndustry Desk

YouTube creator Markiplier has acquired a controlling stake in GoPro, making him the company's largest shareholder. The move signals the content creator's confidence in the camera manufacturer's potential.

5H AGOIndustry Desk

John Ternus officially becomes Apple's CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook, who will remain with the company in a new capacity. The leadership transition marks a significant moment for the tech giant as it enters a new chapter.

6H AGOIndustry Desk

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted state spending on Flock's AI surveillance cameras amid growing bipartisan backlash. The freeze comes as a Texas Tribune investigation revealed the state spent over $30 million on the technology.

12H AGOIndustry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.