INSTAGRAM LAUNCHES 'INSTANTS' SNAPCHAT CLONE APP

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

FRI, APR 24, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Instagram has rolled out a new standalone app called Instants in Italy and Spain, featuring disappearing photo sharing similar to Snapchat. The app allows users to send photos that vanish after 24 hours and can only be viewed once.

Instants is now available on iOS and Android in both markets. The app focuses on ephemeral photo sharing, a core feature of Snapchat that Instagram has repeatedly attempted to replicate across its platforms. Meta has not disclosed plans for expanding Instants to other regions or releasing a desktop version. The company has a history of testing Snapchat-inspired features, including Stories across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. This marks Meta's latest effort to compete with Snapchat's core functionality through dedicated apps rather than in-app features. Whether Instants gains traction or remains a regional test depends on user adoption and Meta's commitment to broader distribution.

■ SOURCES

► The Verge

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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INSTAGRAM LAUNCHES 'INSTANTS' SNAPCHAT CLONE APP

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