Instagram May Take on Snapchat With New ‘Instants’ App for Disappearing Photos

Meta is reportedly working on a new standalone app that could directly challenge Snapchat in the space of ephemeral messaging. According to a report, the Meta-owned social media company has confirmed the development of an internal prototype called Instants, which would allow users to send and receive disappearing photos and videos.

In addition to the standalone app, Meta is also said to be testing a new Instagram feature with the same name and similar functionality, indicating a broader push toward ephemeral communication.

Meta’s ‘Instants’ App: What the Report Says

Internal Prototype Confirmed

The in-development standalone app is expected to follow a premise similar to Snapchat. A Meta spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that an internal prototype of the app exists and is currently under development. However, the spokesperson clarified that the app is not being tested externally at this stage.

App Discovered Through Code References

According to mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi, who is known for reverse-engineering apps to uncover upcoming features, Meta’s new app is called Instants. Paluzzi reportedly found references to the app on Instagram’s “Also from Meta” page, where Instants was listed as a way to share disappearing photos with friends.

Instagram Also Testing ‘Instants’ Feature

Previously Known as ‘Shots’

Meta has also reportedly confirmed that Instagram itself is testing a feature called Instants, which was previously known as Shots. This feature is said to be available as a limited test to “some countries globally”.

How the Instagram ‘Instants’ Feature Works

According to the report, the in-development Instagram feature allows users to send disappearing media through their direct messages (DMs) inbox.

Key Functionality

• The photo disappears once it is opened

• The media expires after 24 hours if not opened

• Instants can “only be sent to followers you follow back”

• The content cannot be edited

Instagram’s Existing Disappearing Message Features

This is not the first time Instagram has experimented with ephemeral messaging. The platform already supports disappearing photos and videos through features such as:

• “View Once”

• Vanish Mode

The introduction of Instants would further strengthen Instagram’s disappearing-content capabilities.

Meta’s Strategy and What Comes Next

The move is widely seen as an attempt to bring Instagram closer to Snapchat in terms of ephemeral communication. However, Meta has not yet disclosed whether:

• The standalone Instants app will be launched publicly

• The Instagram feature will roll out widely

• The project will move beyond the prototype phase

Like many major tech companies, Meta is known to develop and test a wide range of internal prototypes, many of which never reach full public release.

Conclusion

Meta’s reported work on Instants highlights its continued interest in expanding ephemeral communication across its platforms. Whether through a standalone app or a built-in Instagram feature, Instants could represent Meta’s next major attempt to compete with Snapchat—though its future remains uncertain as development is still limited to internal and select regional testing.