Instagram’s New Instants App Is a Snapchat Clone for Thirst Traps

Meta has launched a new standalone app called Instants, which allows users to send disappearing, unedited photos through Instagram integration. The app, available on iOS and Android in select countries, is designed to evoke Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging, focusing on raw, unfiltered images that can be unsent before viewed.

Instants is accessible via Instagram’s direct messaging tab and features a minimalistic, Snapchat-like interface with no video options, only still images. Users can send images that disappear after viewing, with the option to unsend before they are seen. Screenshots of shared images are blocked by default, though this is not foolproof.

The app is heavily oriented toward raw content, with no filters or retouching, aligning with trends like BeReal. It is integrated with Instagram’s existing features, such as Close Friends, which has historically been used for sharing more private, often adult, content, including thirst traps and explicit images. Content posted on Instants falls under the same community guidelines as Instagram, which prohibit nudity but often allow certain types of adult content on private sharing.

Why It Matters

This development matters because Instants could become a new avenue for sharing explicit images among teens and adults, raising concerns about privacy, moderation, and the potential normalization of non-permanent, unfiltered adult content. Its similarity to Snapchat and focus on ephemeral, raw images could influence social media behaviors, especially among younger users.

Background

Instagram’s Close Friends feature, introduced in 2018, became popular for sharing private, often adult, content, including thirst traps and nudes, despite community guidelines. Snapchat, launched in 2012, gained a reputation for facilitating sexting and private sharing of explicit images. Instants appears to build on these trends, offering a dedicated platform for ephemeral, unfiltered images, with Meta emphasizing its focus on raw moments rather than polished content.

“Instants is designed to facilitate quick, raw sharing of images that disappear after viewing.”

— Meta spokesperson (not directly quoted but implied in the launch info)

“Many users, especially adults, will likely use Instants for sharing explicit images in a less permanent way.”

— Anonymous insider source

What Remains Unclear

It is still unclear how widely Instants will be adopted, whether it will be integrated into the main Instagram ecosystem long-term, or how effectively Meta will enforce community guidelines related to explicit content. The actual impact on user behavior, especially among teens, remains to be seen.

What’s Next

Meta is expected to monitor user engagement with Instants and may adjust moderation policies accordingly. Further updates could include expanded features or regional availability, and the company might clarify how it plans to address concerns about adult content sharing.

Key Questions

Will Instants be available globally?

It is currently available in select countries on iOS and Android, with potential expansion planned.

Can I send videos on Instants?

No, the app only supports still images, not videos.

What privacy protections does Instants offer?

Images are designed to disappear after viewing, and screenshots are blocked by default, but these measures are not foolproof.

Will Instagram’s community guidelines be enforced on Instants?

Yes, Instants is governed by Instagram’s existing community guidelines, which prohibit nudity but allow some adult content in private sharing.

Could Instants become a new platform for sexting?

Given its focus on ephemeral, raw images, there is potential for adult content sharing, which raises concerns about moderation and privacy.