Instagram's New Instants Feature Is Annoying. Here's How to Turn It Off
The feature lets users send vanishing photos to friends, with an undo option and a private archive that can keep images for up to a year.
- On Wednesday, May 13, Instagram launched Instants, a feature allowing users to send quick, unedited, disappearing photos via DMs to friends and close connections.
- Users capture images via a shutter button defaulting to Friends, though they can toggle to Close Friends; these "spontaneous, unfiltered photos" vanish after viewing but remain archived for a year.
- Many users report accidentally sending unflattering images due to unclear interface design; one Reddit user claimed it captured "SIX photos" without notification, though Meta offers an undo option.
- To manage the feature, users can navigate to Content Preferences in settings and toggle Hide Instants in inbox, or swipe the Instants interface to temporarily snooze it.
- While some users appreciate the casual format, critics argue Instagram is too crowded, with one writing, "I'm fine with just posts and reels, Insta," as Meta prioritizes authentic sharing.
17 Articles
17 Articles
A new Instagram feature is causing considerable panic this week. Parent company Meta has launched 'Instants,' which revolves around photos that can only be viewed once. As a result, many people are now accidentally sending unintended photos to their entire follower list.
With "Instants", Instagram relies on spontaneous and ephemeral photos to be shared between relatives. Inspired by Snapchat and BeReal, this new feature bans editing and screenshots.
Instagram's 'worst feature' is a bid to compete with Snapchat — users revolt over new Instants photo sharing
Instagram users are very unhappy with its latest feature. The Meta-owned social media app has just introduced Instagram Instants — a new way to share quick, in-the-moment photos with friends, similar to other platforms like Snapchat or BeReal. Photos disappear after they’re opened or after 24 hours, making the experience feel more casual, authentic, and pressure-free. With no editing tools before posting, Instants encourages you to capture and s…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
