Instagram launches Instants, view-once photos for close friends
Instagram rolled out Instants globally: quick, unedited photos that can be viewed once, combining ideas from Snapchat and BeReal.


What it is
Instants lets you share quick, real-life photos with Close Friends or mutual followers.
How it works
- Captured only with Instagram's in-app camera: no edits, no camera-roll uploads. Text can be added.
- Viewable once and available for 24 hours.
- Per Meta, recipients can't screenshot or record them; they can react, reply or send one back.
More
- Instants are kept in a private archive for up to one year.
- Undo removes an unopened Instant.
- A standalone Instants app is being tested in Spain and Italy.

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