Instagram is testing Instants, a new app for one-tap photo sharing

Instagram is testing a new image-sharing app called Instants, aimed at more casual, real-time sharing.

The company confirmed to TechCrunch that the app is currently available in Spain and Italy. It allows users to send disappearing photos that can be viewed once within 24 hours of being sent.

How Instants works

Instants focuses on quick capture rather than editing. Photos can only be taken using the in-app camera, with no option to upload from the camera roll. Users can add text, though further edits are not supported.

The idea is to keep content unfiltered and immediate. Photos are shared with either mutual followers or the Close Friends list, which stays synced between Instagram and Instants.

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Instagram has already tested similar functionality inside its main app in some regions. With Instants, users can choose to use the feature within Instagram or through a separate app.

What Instagram is aiming for

Instants moves away from the polished, curated content Instagram is known for. Instead, it focuses on quick, everyday moments, which is closer to apps like Snapchat, BeReal, and Locket.

The shift reflects how Instagram is trying to bring back more personal sharing while responding to competition in the space. Over time, the main app has become more focused on creators, ads, and public content, leaving less room for casual interaction between friends.

At the same time, it’s not clear how much demand there is for a separate app. Features like Stories already cover quick sharing for many users, and interest in similar apps has fluctuated.

For now, Instants remains a limited test. Instagram says it is exploring different versions of the feature and will adjust based on user feedback before deciding on a wider rollout.

The Instants app is currently available to download on both iOS and Android in select regions.

Would you use a separate app for casual photo sharing, or stick to Instagram itself? Let me know in the comments.