Instagram tests ‘Instants’ app for disappearing photo sharing
▼ Summary
– Instagram is testing a new app called Instants in Spain and Italy for sharing disappearing photos that can be viewed once within 24 hours.
– Instants lets users capture unedited photos with a single tap using the in-app camera, with no uploads from the camera roll or editing allowed.
– The app focuses on authentic, ephemeral sharing, drawing ideas from Snapchat, Locket, and BeReal, unlike Instagram’s curated content.
– Users can share Instants with mutual followers or Close Friends lists, which are synced across both the Instagram and Instants apps.
– Instagram aims to return to its roots of low-stakes sharing with friends, but may face challenges from declining BeReal popularity and existing use of Instagram Stories.
Instagram is quietly testing a new standalone app called Instants, designed for quick, unfiltered photo sharing that disappears. The company confirmed the experiment to TechCrunch on Thursday, noting the app is currently live in Spain and Italy. With Instants, users capture a single photo with one tap, with no editing or uploads from the camera roll allowed. The only customization available is the option to add text to these raw images, which are called “instants.” Each photo can be viewed only once and remains available for 24 hours.
The concept marks a clear departure from Instagram’s usual emphasis on curated, polished content. Instead, Instants borrows heavily from the ethos of platforms like Snapchat, Locket, and BeReal, focusing on authentic, ephemeral moments. Interestingly, Instagram has been testing Instants as an in-app feature in select regions before rolling out this standalone version. The company says users can choose to access Instants either within the main Instagram app or through the separate Instants app, depending on their preference.
“To give people low-pressure ways to connect with friends, we’re testing an app called Instants to share casual photos and videos in the moment,” an Instagram spokesperson said in a statement. “We’re exploring multiple versions of Instants to see what people like, and will listen to our community.” Users can share their instants with mutual followers or their Close Friends list, and Instagram confirms these lists sync seamlessly across both apps. The app is available on both iOS and Android.
Instagram originally launched as a simple way for friends to share moments, but over time it has become increasingly impersonal, flooded with ads and influencer content. By introducing Instants, the company aims to return to its roots while competing with apps that prioritize low-stakes, in-the-moment sharing and close friend interactions. However, timing may be a challenge. BeReal has already peaked in popularity, and many users already rely on Instagram Stories , the platform’s Snapchat clone , for quick, temporary sharing. Whether users will embrace yet another separate app for the same purpose remains to be seen.
(Source: TechCrunch)
