Instagram launches new feature 'Instants' for sharing everyday moments; photos automatically disappear after friends view them

Meta launched Instants on Instagram worldwide on May 13, enabling users to send unedited photos through the inbox to close friends or mutual followers.

The photos disappear after being viewed, but senders can save them in a private archive for up to one year or repost them as Stories.

Meta is also testing a standalone Instants app in select countries with screenshot and screen-recording blocking, AI moderation, and teen safety tools like sleep mode and parental controls.