The launch of Instants is dividing Instagram users. See reactions

It looks like Instagram's "Instants" weren't an instant success, at least according to those who were game enough to try it out.

Hours after the Meta-owned social media platform quietly rolled out Instants, a new in-app feature (and standalone app) that allows users to share photos that can only be viewed once with a select group of followers, reviews started to trickle in on other platforms, namely X, on May 13.

From confusion about what Instants were and how they work to PSAs on how to disable the feature, the Internet was ablaze with grievances and wisecracks.

"I need to have a talk with the Meta execs that approved the new Instants feature on Instagram," one user said in a May 14 X post.

Few reported being "obsessed" with Instants, and those that were late to the party were jonesing to find out why "everyone" hated them. Some even called Instants a "wannabe feature," akin to other existing social media apps, including BeReal, Locket, Snapchat and even Instagram Stories.

The most recurring complaint, according to X posts reviewed by USA TODAY, is that instead of Instagram launching features users actually do want, like the ability to replace, or edit individuals slides in a carousel without deleting the post, the platform is rolling out "unnecessary" features no one asked for.

Here's how the internet is feeling about Instagram's Instants.

The internet reacted to Instagram Instants launch

The May 13 launch of Instants provoked a strong reaction in users, mostly of love or hate. There has been very little in between.

From objections to witticisms, here's a look at how the internet's feeling about Instagram Instants:

How to turn Instants off

Turning off Instants is easy, just follow these three steps:

• Go to your settings on Instagram
• Click on content preferences
• Hide Instants in inbox

Contributing: Greta Cross, USA TODAY