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Meta launched a new Instagram feature that allows users to post ephemeral photos that are instantly deleted after being viewed but can be seen by Close Friends or other people their users chose to follow, called "Instants." On May 13, 2026, Instants announces an unedited, no-camera-roll-upload, real-time sharing experience.

Users can view Instants right from the Instagram DM inbox by tapping on the stack of photos icon. Opens the camera for a quick and easy press for a snap — one tap sends the shot. Your recipients will be able to open it, and it will be deleted from their inbox. All Instants will expire after a 24-hour period. Reactions/replies remain private, and screenshots are blocked for privacy.

In some countries, like Italy and Spain, there is a standalone Instants app, while the in-app version of the product is to be available in all countries. Instants can be saved and compiled into recap stories later by users, which will then go to the user's private archiving and be preserved for a period of up to one year.

The transfer is another step in forcing social media to evolve, which is similar to Snapchat and BeReal, which took action to alleviate the demands for refined content. There are mixed reactions to the casual look, with some users implying that it gets sent to the wrong recipients and the inbox filling up, while others have greeted it with enthusiasm. Users can opt out of this feature in settings, should they wish.

This update is a grand effort by Meta to embrace more real-time and low-stake interactions on Instagram. Upgrade your app and try out Instants today!