Instagram is currently testing a new standalone app named Instants, designed for sharing unfiltered photos that vanish after 24 hours. This move places the platform in direct competition with other ephemeral-sharing apps like Snapchat and BeReal.
The Instants app is currently in the testing phase in Spain and Italy, available for both iOS and Android users. It offers a quick, one-tap photo capture feature using the app’s built-in camera. Users are restricted from uploading photos from their device’s camera roll, and the app provides minimal editing options, limited to adding text. The photos, known as “instants,” can only be viewed once and remain accessible for a day.
Content can be shared with mutual followers or users’ Close Friends list from the main Instagram app, as this feature carries over. Instagram mentions that users can use Instants as a standalone application or integrate it as a feature within the primary Instagram app.