Instagram launches new Instants photo feature. Here's how it works
Greta CrossInstagram just launched a new photo-capturing feature geared toward Gen Z users.
On May 13, Instagram rolled out a new in-app feature and a standalone app, both called Instants. They allow users to capture and share "unpolished moments" that can only be viewed once with a select group of followers, Instagram Vice President of Products Tessa Lyons-Laing told USA TODAY.
Similar to Instagram's Stories feature, which allows users to post photos or videos that last 24 hours on their accounts, Instants provides a temporary option to share photos without filters, text, or stickers to their Close Friends (a private, curated group of followers) or mutuals.
For comparison, Instants functions similarly to Snapchat — once another user opens and views an Instants photo, it cannot be viewed again.
Ready to try out Instants? Here's what to know about the newly launched Instagram feature.
What is Instagram Instants?
Instants is a new Instagram feature (also available as a standalone app) that allows users to share unfiltered photos with a select group of users for a limited time.
How does Instants work?
To use Instagram Instants, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram mobile app.
- Open Direct Messenger (mail icon at the bottom of the screen).
- Tap the mini stack of photos in the bottom right corner.
- Select an audience preference at the bottom of the screen: Friends or Close Friends. Friends are mutual followers, and Close Friends represent a private, curated group of users.
- Snap a photo.
- The photo will then appear in the Instants gallery for the audience members you selected.
- Instants photos captured by others will also appear in the mini stack of photos, accessible in Instagram's Direct Messenger.
To delete an Instants photo, tap the "Undo" button that appears right after snapping a photo. Or tap the collage icon in the top-left corner and press and hold the photo you want to delete.
No second looks
Unlike Instagram Stories, which remain on a user's profile for 24 hours and can be viewed an indefinite number of times by other users, Instants can only be viewed once, Lyons-Laing explained. Once a user views another's Instants photo, the image is no longer accessible.
Instants are available for this singular viewing for 24 hours.
Instants can be shared to Stories for all followers
While Instants are intended for a smaller batch of a user's followers, a collection of Instant photos can be grouped within the feature and then shared to one's Stories. Users will be able to differentiate a traditional Stories post from an Instants one, as the latter will look like a film reel video, Lyons-Laing said.
A feature for Gen Z
Instants arrive as Instagram has witnessed growing interest from younger audiences in sharing more real, everyday moments in low-pressure ways.
In 2022, Instagram launched its Notes feature, which allows users to share temporary short responses or songs on their profiles within the Direct Messenger page of the mobile app. The feature harkens back to old-school messaging apps like MSM Messenger, where users could use a select number of characters to share a quick status update.
Lyons-Laing said Gen Z Instagram users are five times more likely to use the casual Notes feature compared to older users.
Additionally, Gen Z users are more interested in sharing curated content to smaller batches of followers, which Instants plays into. Lyons-Laing said Gen Z users are 2.5 times more likely to share a photo or video to their Close Friends Stories than older users.
When is Instagram Instants available?
Instants is available to all Instagram users worldwide on Wednesday, May 13.
Do you need the Instants standalone app to use the new feature?
No, Instants is available within the Instagram app. The standalone Instants app, which connects to a user's Instagram, is another way for Instagram to better understand how users engage with the new feature, Lyons-Laing said.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].