Instagram has released Instants, a new app that is only available for Android and iPhone.
With the launch of Threads, it seems like Instagram has gone beyond just making a platform like Twitter (now X). The social media giant is putting more effort into spontaneous interaction by releasing a new app called Instants. This app is meant to attract users who left BeReal in search of a more real and less perfect life.
This app, which just came out in Spain and Italy as test markets, promises to change the way we share information about our daily lives. We'll talk about what this hybrid app is and how it works below. It has features from both BeReal and Snapchat.
Instants, a temporary photo app without filters or editing, is designed for those seeking authenticity and naturalness.
The Instants app is not a feature of Instagram but a standalone application, although closely integrated with the Instagram system. It is designed specifically for capturing moments as they happen and can be downloaded on Android and iPhone devices.
Unlike the main platform, the Instants app opens directly into the camera to avoid any distractions, eliminating the endless stream of posts to focus all attention on the user, their surroundings, and their closest friends.
There's no room for deception. The app prevents uploading photos from your gallery and using filters or editing tools. What your phone's camera captures is exactly what's posted to Instants, ensuring a visual authenticity that traditional social media platforms have lacked.
The app uses a temporary content system, where images, called "Moments," are designed to be viewed only once. Once a user opens an image, it is automatically deleted, and if it is not opened, the content automatically expires after 24 hours.
To make the tool easier to use, the same Instagram account is used to access it, which automatically exports the list of best friends and shared followers.
What distinguishes Instants from Snapchat, BeReal, or Instagram Stories itself?
While Snapchat pioneered the disappearing photo format, it has now gone the other way: it offers more filters, editing tools, and augmented reality lenses and allows users to upload photos from their photo gallery.
On the other hand, Instant differs from BeReal in that it doesn't impose a time limit for posting photos. While it doesn't allow editing photos, adding filters, or uploading gallery content, it does offer the feature of allowing users to view photos only once, whereas on BeReal, photos remain available on the user's profile for 24 hours before being viewed again.
Even compared to traditional Instagram Stories, the "Moments" feature has the advantage of not allowing users to view photos again, even after 24 hours. Of course, Instagram Stories allow you to use all sorts of filters, editing tools, and content from your photo gallery.
- App link on: Google Play and App Store