Instagram’s new “Instants” feature lets users send disappearing photos through direct messages with friends and followers. WASHINGTON — Instagram is introducing a new feature aimed at encouraging users to share more spontaneous, unfiltered moments with friends. The social media platform announced Wednesday the launch of “Instants,” a disappearing photo-sharing feature built into Instagram’s direct messages. The feature allows users to send casual photos to close friends or mutual followers directly from their inbox. Unlike Stories, Instants disappear after they are viewed, although users can save them privately in an archive for up to a year. Instagram said the goal is to make sharing feel more immediate and less curated. “No edits, no pressure, just life as it happens,” the company said in its announcement. Users can access Instants through a photo stack icon located in the bottom-right corner of their inbox. Photos can include captions but can’t be edited further. Friends can react, reply and share their own Instants, with responses sent through direct messages. Instagram also added accompanying features including: An archive for privately saved Instants A recap tool that compiles archived Instants into a Story post An undo option to retract a photo before it is viewed A snooze setting
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