Meta has introduced Instants, a new standalone iPhone app and Instagram feature designed for ephemeral photo sharing. The platform allows users to share spontaneous, unfiltered photos that disappear after friends view them, while being saved in the user's archive for up to a year. Instants can be accessed through the Instagram inbox in the bottom right corner or through a dedicated companion app for quicker camera access. Users can share with close friends or mutual followers, with reactions and replies sent directly to DMs. The feature includes Teen Accounts and Family Center protections, such as shared time limits, Sleep Mode, and parental supervision. Meta developed Instants to encourage organic social sharing, emphasizing casual, everyday moments without the pressure of editing or perfection. The standalone app is currently available in select countries on iOS and Android, while the Instagram feature has been released globally.

Key Points:

- Instants is both a standalone iPhone app and feature inside Instagram for ephemeral photo sharing

- Photos disappear after viewing but are saved in the user's archive for up to a year

- Includes Teen Accounts and Family Center protections with parental supervision features

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