Meta has revived the ephemeral photo format with Instants, available both within Instagram and as a standalone app. The feature lets users spontaneously capture and share disappearing photos that vanish after viewing but remain in archives for up to a year. This returns Instagram to its roots before becoming "influencer central," offering a quick way to share moments with friends.

Access Instants through your DM inbox or the dedicated app. The functionality remains intentionally minimal—users can only add captions, with no editing tools or filters available. Photos can't be uploaded from camera rolls. Users select recipients from close friends or mutuals, with an undo option before sending. Privacy protections include parental supervision for teens.

Instagram admits the separate app provides a "quicker, easier way to get into the camera," indirectly acknowledging the main app's bloat. The feature is currently being tested in select countries. This marks Instagram's latest attempt at ephemeral content following Bolt (2014) and Candid Stories four years ago, continuing the platform's pattern of competing with Snapchat and BeReal.