Petteri Pyyny
13 May 2026 17:25
Instagram has released a new Instants app to more countries, including most of Europe.
The app's basic idea is to share everyday moments without the typical social media polishing or careful consideration. The app is designed to be fast, opening directly to camera mode so that a photo can be snapped and sent with a single tap.
Photos taken through Instants cannot be edited at all before sending. The app has no filters or other editing tools. Another key feature is the disappearing nature of the content, as the recipient can view each photo only once, and they must be opened within 24 hours of sending, after which they disappear for good.
It is a new, standalone app, but it is tightly tied to Instagram.
Shared moments appear in Instagram messages. Photos sent by others can also be viewed through the Instants app, meaning the user can choose which app they use to view messages.
Content can only be sent to followers who follow the user back. Before opening the photo, the recipient sees a small preview image of it.
However, the user can manage their own sent content, as the app includes an archive function where their sent photos can be viewed later.
The new app is very similar to BeReal.