Meta has always been among the companies most attentive to consumer needs and new web trends. It’s no coincidence that new features are periodically launched on its platforms that nod to global trends.
Precisely in this vein, Instants was recently added to Instagram. This is a brand new feature, designed for those who want to share moments of their day in a clean, unfiltered way, without filters or editing.
Somewhat similar to Snapchat, and for many almost identical to the BeReal phenomenon of a few months ago, Instagram Instants now aims to become a new benchmark for the social network, on par with Reels and Stories. Let’s take a look at what it is, how it works, and how to start using it.
What is Instagram Instants
Instagram Instants is a new feature officially launched on April 23, 2026, in Italy and Spain. The plan is to expand globally over the weeks, after gathering initial feedback from users who are trying it out.
This new feature is designed for those who want to share real and authentic moments with their followers and close friends, without having to worry about filters, lighting, retouching, or choosing the perfect selfie.
The concept of Instants is very simple: grab your phone, take a photo, and post it exactly as it came.
What is Instagram Instants for
Instagram is a social network created to allow users to focus entirely on curated content, edited where necessary, designed to be inserted into a well-designed feed, and so on.
Instants is the complete opposite; here, quick, real snapshots prevail. The only possible modification is adding a text bar, while all the other typical Instagram features are unavailable.
In some ways, it reminds me of Snapchat due to its ease of use, while in others, it has traits of BeReal, the app that went viral in recent months.
Meta’s stated goal is to offer a new way to share photos spontaneously, as well as short videos in real time with friends, using a simple tap and without applying filters or editing.
How Instagram Instants Works
Instagram Instants works like this: You open it, take a photo with a single tap, and you can’t upload content from your gallery. The only edits allowed, as mentioned, are adding a text bar to the image or video.
For each snapshot posted online, you can only view it once, for a maximum of 24 hours. When someone views your content, you’re not sent notifications, and there’s a feature that blocks the ability to take screenshots or screen recordings.
When sharing, before posting, you can choose from your followers or close friends list. These lists are the same as those used in the main app, as specified by the platform itself.
And what about privacy? Meta explained in the announcement that the published photo remains saved in the private archive and is accessible only to the owner. No one else will know who the shot was shared with.
Friends can simply react with a like, a reaction emoji, or a direct message. There’s also the new Instants archive, accessible from the four-square icon in the top right of the camera. Here you can view your past snapshots and, if you like, post a recap in your Stories.
How to use Instagram Instants
Currently, Instants can be accessed in two different ways. First, you can open the smartphone app, make sure you’ve updated to the latest version available, and then go to the direct messages area.
At the bottom right, you’ll find a sort of rounded square. Tap it and you’ll automatically be able to take a photo or record a video to share with friends or close friends.
Alternatively, there’s a separate app available on both the App Store for iOS and Android for Google Play. Simply search for it by typing Instants, by Instagram in the search bar and download it.
Once installed, the process is identical. You log in with your profile, take a photo or video, choose who to share it with, and send it online for 24 hours.
What is the layout of Instagram Instants
The interface designed by the Meta development team is very simple, a deliberate choice that contrasts with the multitude of options and settings found in other sections of the platform.
You won’t find toolbars full of options, there’s no menu to choose filters, and not even a gallery to upload photos or videos you’ve already taken.
By default, there’s the camera as the main screen, ready to take a photo with a single tap, the icon with the four squares in the top right to access your personal archive, the button to add text, and the recipient list.
What are the differences with Snapchat and BeReal
A comparison with Snapchat and BeReal naturally comes to mind, the other two social media platforms that work similarly to Instagram’s Instants. But what are the differences?
Let’s start with filters, one of the points Meta wanted to emphasize. With Instants, you can’t apply a single one, while Snapchat has a vast library that can also be accessed with AI. BeReal is closer to Instants and doesn’t have filter buttons.
As for uploading content from your camera roll, neither Instagram Instants nor BeReal allow you to do so, while Snapchat does.
And what about the number of views of a single piece of content? Both Instagram Instants and Snapchat allow you to open a single post, while BeReal allows for unlimited views.
As for screenshots, as mentioned, Instagram Instants has blocked the feature for greater privacy. On Snapchat, if a screenshot or screen recording is taken, an instant notification is sent to the content creator, while on BeReal, this can be done secretly.
Finally, there’s one last thing that sets Instagram Instants apart from Snapchat and BeReal: the ability to see who opened your content. Instants don’t have a list, unlike Stories. Snapchat and BeReal, however, do have this feature, simply by swiping up from the bottom.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Come funziona Instants, la nuova app di Instagram arrivata in Italia (e che somiglia a Snapchat)
