Instagram’s new Instants feature will compete with Snapchat, users will get a new experience

By Samira Vishwas On Apr 24, 2026

Instagram Instants Feature: social media platform Instagram has a history of adopting popular features from its competitors and making them even bigger. The short video format was first popularized by TikTok, which was made mainstream by Instagram in the form of Reels. At the same time, Instagram also took Snapchat’s Stories feature to new heights by adopting it. Now the company is going to take another big step.

What is the new Instants feature?

Instagram introduced ‘Instants’ A new image-sharing feature named has been launched. It allows users to share photos that can be viewed only once and automatically disappear within 24 hours. This feature has been specially designed for those users who want to share content quickly and privately.

How is this feature different from Snapchat?

Although this feature is similar to Snapchat, there are some important differences. In Instants, users will get the facility to view the photo only once, and it will remain available for 24 hours. Apart from this, there is no editing option provided in it, due to which the content will remain more real and unfiltered. Users can only click photos from the app’s camera, meaning uploading photos from the gallery will not be allowed. However, text can definitely be added to the photo.

Instagram has launched a NEW app called Instants! 🚨
Share disappearing photos with friends
▪ Connect with your favorite people over life’s little moments.
▪ Get straight to the camera to share with friends, fast. No edits, share instantly pic.twitter.com/NIdbUmYgC6
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) April 23, 2026

When will it be launched in India?

Currently the Instants feature is listed on Google Play Store, but it is not available in India yet. This feature is currently in the testing phase in countries like Spain and Italy and can be accessed on both iOS and Android platforms. According to reports, it can be launched in India by next month, although it has not been officially confirmed yet.

Competes with apps like Locket and BeReal

This move by Instagram is also being considered to compete with platforms like Locket and BeReal, which already focus on real and temporary content.

Also read: How to start earning from Instagram? Big opportunity for creators, easy way to set up payout account

More new updates in Instagram

Not just Instants, Instagram is constantly improving its platform. Recently the company has launched the feature of comment editing, in which users can correct their mistakes within 15 minutes. Moreover, in India, “Teen Accounts” A feature has also been introduced, which has been designed keeping in mind the safety of children and parental control.

What is the benefit for which users?

With features like Instants, users will now be able to share photos quickly and safely without much editing and time. This will make the use of social media easier and more private. This will benefit those users who want to tell people about you in real time.