Instagram is testing a new image-sharing app called Instants, the company confirmed on Thursday.
The app is currently available in Spain and Italy, and lets users share disappearing photos with friends that can only be viewed once and stay available for 24 hours.
With Instants, users can take a photo with a single tap and share it instantly. No editing tools are included, and uploads from the camera roll are not allowed. Content must be captured directly through the in-app camera. Users can add text to their photos, known as “instants,” but cannot make any other changes.
Unlike the polished and curated style commonly seen on Instagram, Instants is focused on casual, real-life moments. The app takes inspiration from platforms like Snapchat, Locket, and BeReal, all of which emphasize spontaneous and temporary sharing.
Instagram said it had already been testing Instants as an in-app feature in some regions before launching the standalone version. Users can choose to use Instants inside the main Instagram app or through the separate Instants app.
A company spokesperson said the goal is to give people low-pressure ways to connect with friends by sharing casual photos and videos in the moment. Instagram added that it is testing multiple versions of the product and will continue gathering user feedback.
Users can share Instants with mutual followers or their Close Friends list. Instagram noted that these sharing lists remain the same across both the Instagram and Instants apps.
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The new app is available on both iOS and Android.
