Meta‑owned Instagram is reportedly working on a new photo‑sharing feature that’s very similar to what Snapchat is known for — sending photos that disappear after viewing. This move is part of Instagram’s effort to make visual communication more spontaneous and private, especially among friends.

📸 What Is the New Feature?

The feature — tentatively called “Instants” — lets users send photos that vanish after being viewed, closely mirroring Snapchat’s original ephemeral photo model.

• Once a photo is viewed by the recipient, it disappears immediately.
• Photos may also expire automatically if not viewed within a certain timeframe (e.g., 24 hours).
• Editing or saving these photos is not possible, keeping them truly temporary.

This means instagram could soon let you share quick, candid snaps without adding them permanently to your profile or story — a feature many users, especially younger ones, enjoy on Snapchat.

📱 How It Works (Inside Instagram)

According to reports:

• Instants may be tested inside the instagram app and could also become a standalone app separate from the main instagram platform.
• The feature is currently being developed and tested internally by Meta — it isn’t yet widely available to all users.
• Inside instagram, temporary photos are likely shared via Direct Messages between mutual followers only.

You send a photo → Recipient opens it → Photo vanishes → It cannot be saved or forwarded.

🤳 Why instagram Is Adding This Feature

🔹 Compete With Snapchat

Snapchat pioneered ephemeral photo and video sharing — disappearing messages are at the core of its identity. instagram is adopting a similar model to retain younger users, who value casual, private sharing.

🔹 Broader Strategy for Private Sharing

Photo and video sharing on instagram is evolving toward more personal, one‑to‑one interactions, not just public feeds. This fits a broader trend where users want private, friend‑centric communication rather than only broadcasting to followers.

🔹 Recent Copycat Innovations

Meta has borrowed Snapchat‑like ideas before — such as instagram Stories (short‑lived content) which became hugely popular after Snapchat introduced the concept.

📊 Feature Highlights at a Glance

Feature

Details

Name (reported)

Instants

Platform

Instagram (possible standalone app too)

Content Type

Disappearing photos and possibly videos

Expiry

Immediately after viewing (and auto‑expire after hours)

Saving

Not allowed

Editing

Not allowed

Sharing

Limited to mutual followers

Purpose

Casual, private, spontaneous sharing

(Based on leaked reports and internal prototype details.)

📌 What This Means for Users

📍 More Spontaneous Sharing

Users can share quick moments — like selfies or snapshots from their day — without cluttering their profile or feed.

📍 Just for Friends

Because these photos are shared privately and disappear after use, they’re ideal for close friends or small groups.

📍 No Saving or Editing

Unlike regular posts or stories, these photos are meant to be raw and short‑lived — you can’t edit or download them, preserving the ephemeral feel.

🧠 A Broader Pattern at Instagram

Instagram has been updating its platform with several social features — such as interactive reposts, maps, and more — aimed at encouraging friend‑to‑friend connections. This new feature continues that trend, shifting from public galleries toward personal communication spaces.

📍 Will It Replace Snapchat?

Probably not — but it gives instagram users many of the same fun, fleeting sharing options without needing another app. Each platform still has its own strengths, but Instagram’s new feature could close the gap for people who want quick, private photo sharing.

📅 When Will It Be Available?

There’s no official release date yet. Meta is still developing and testing the feature internally, so it may take months before a public rollout — first within select regions or as part of app updates.

📌 In Summary

Instagram is preparing a Snapchat‑like photo sharing feature called “Instants” that focuses on ephemeral images — photos that disappear after viewing, offering users a quick, private way to communicate with friends. It reflects Instagram’s push toward more intimate, personal interaction rather than just public posts.

 

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