Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndrew GriffinThursday 14 May 2026 14:29 BSTInstagram has launched a new feature called 'Instants' (AFP/Getty)Instagram has launched a new feature called 'Instants', designed for sharing spontaneous, unfiltered photos that are immediately posted to followers, which has caused frustration among some users.The feature allows users to take a photo that is instantly sent out, with an 'undo' button available, but many users were unaware of the immediate sharing and accidentally posted pictures they only intended to test.Instants are ephemeral, appearing alongside direct messages and can only be opened once, with Instagram stressing that they cannot be screenshotted or screen recorded.Users can find Instants in their Instagram inbox and may receive notifications when friends share one, with a companion app also released to facilitate its use.Despite disappearing for followers after being viewed, Instants are saved in a private archive from which they can be posted as a 'recap', and the feature has been noted for borrowing functionality from rival app Snapchat.In fullInstants: Instagram launches major new feature – and users are immediately upsetThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in