Instagram is expanding its operations beyond the main app and announcing Instants – a new platform for sharing immediate, one-time, and unedited photos. Unlike another internal tool added to Instagram, this time it is also a completely independent service, with a separate app that will be available for download in app stores alongside full integration within Instagram itself.
The launch is taking place gradually around the world, including in Israel. According to the company, the user experience will be completely identical between the standalone app and the use from within Instagram, while in both cases, an active Instagram account is required to use the service.
Instants is based on the idea of sharing immediate and unpolished moments. Photos sent through the platform can be viewed only once and are deleted after 24 hours. Users can send them only to mutual friends or to a Close Friends list, while none of the viewers will be able to see who else received or viewed the photo.
In an effort to maintain a sense of authenticity, Instagram is strictly limiting how content is created. Photos can be taken exclusively through the built-in Instants camera, without the option to upload existing files from the photo gallery and without editing tools or filters. The only remaining option is: Adding a short caption to the photo before sending.
The reaction mechanism also remains relatively minimalist. Users will be able to react via a like, emoji, or private DM only. In addition, the company will block the option to take a screenshot of the photos, and will allow the unsend of an Instant as long as the other party has not yet opened the message.
Alongside the temporary nature of the service, Instagram is keeping a private copy of the content for the creators themselves. All sent Instants will be saved in a personal archive that only the account owner can access. Additionally, users will be able to create a Story that aggregates a sequence of Instants sent during the past 24 hours – an attempt to connect the new platform with the familiar Instagram user experience.