Instagram's new Instants feature upsets users
Instagram users have criticised the platform’s new Instants feature after accidental photo sharing and constant notifications caused confusion and frustration online.
Instagram has launched a new feature called Instants, but many users are already expressing frustration after accidentally sharing photos they did not intend to post.
The feature is designed to encourage users "to share in the moment – with spontaneous, unfiltered photos", according to parent company Meta.
Instants appear within Instagram’s direct messaging inbox and allow users to take a photo that is instantly sent to followers after the capture button is pressed.
However, many users said they did not realise the image would be immediately shared and ended up accidentally posting test selfies or unintended pictures before noticing the app’s undo option.
The feature includes a short window allowing users to cancel the upload after the image is taken, but some people online said they missed the warning entirely.
Instagram stressed the feature was designed to be "ephemeral", with photos only viewable once before disappearing, similar to messaging features found on Snapchat.
Users also complained about the number of notifications generated by Instants, with the app alerting followers whenever a friend shares one of the temporary images.
Many social media users argued the alerts felt intrusive and appeared designed to artificially boost engagement with the feature.
Instagram has attempted to address privacy concerns by blocking screenshots and screen recordings of Instants. The company also said the feature integrates with existing parental supervision tools, including screen time limits and restrictions for younger users at night.
Although Instants disappear after being viewed, photos are still stored in a private archive that can later be turned into story recaps.
Meta also launched a companion app called Instants to make the feature easier to access and use.
The rollout has reignited criticism that Instagram frequently copies features from rival social platforms, particularly Snapchat.
Instagram Stories, now one of the platform’s core features, was widely viewed as inspired by Snapchat’s disappearing post format when it launched in 2016.
The backlash highlights the challenge social media companies face when introducing features intended to encourage spontaneous sharing while balancing privacy, usability and user control.
