Instagram launches new instant feature for disappearing photos

Three smartphone screens showing Instagram's
Instagram's new "Instants" feature lets users curate and share disappearing photo recaps directly to their Stories.
| Published May, 15 2026 | Updated
Web Desk: Instagram has introduced the Instants feature, a new tool that allows users to send quick disappearing photos directly through direct messages.

The company says the Instagram Instants feature is designed to make sharing more natural, instant, and less edited compared to normal posts.

This Instagram new update is part of Meta’s wider plan to promote real-time and unfiltered communication on the platform.

How the New Update Works

The Instagram new update adds Instants inside DMs, where users can instantly capture and send photos to close friends or mutual followers.

With this Instagram Instants feature, users cannot upload from the gallery or apply filters, as the camera opens directly for instant capture.

Photos sent through this Instagram new update disappear after being viewed and are automatically removed after 24 hours.

User Confusion and Reactions

Many users said the Instagram Instants feature feels confusing because photos are sent instantly after taking them.

Some people accidentally shared images due to unclear controls in the Instagram new update, especially because the default audience is set to friends.

Users also reported missing the undo option, leading to more concern about the Meta Instagram update.

Also Read: WhatsApp launches meta–AI Incognito mode for private conversations

Privacy Concerns Rise

The Meta Instagram update has also raised privacy concerns among users and experts.

Although Meta says the Instagram Instants feature cannot be screenshotted or recorded, users believe content can still be captured using other devices.

The Meta Instagram update has added to ongoing debates about disappearing messages and data privacy in social apps.

How to Disable Instants

Users can turn off the Instagram Instants feature through settings by going to Content Preferences and selecting “Hide Instants in Inbox.”

The Instagram new update also allows users to temporarily snooze the feature from the DM section if they do not want to use it.

Also Read: WhatsApp Plus coming soon, Meta tests paid features for users

Instagram’s Bigger Plan

The Meta Instagram update shows the platform moving closer to Snapchat-style and BeReal-style instant sharing.

Instagram hopes the Instagram Instants feature will encourage more real and unfiltered communication between users.

However, success will depend on whether people trust and accept this fast sharing style.

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