News
Instagram tests a new ‘Instants’ app for sharing disappearing photos
Instagram is testing a new image-sharing app called “Instants,” the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Thursday. The app, which is available in Spain and Italy, lets users share disappearing photos with their friends that can be viewed only once and remain available for 24 hours.
With Instants, you capture a photo in a single tap, with no editing allowed. The app doesn’t allow uploads from your camera roll and only lets you capture and share content using the in-app camera. While you can add text to your “instants,” as these unedited photos are called, you can’t modify them any further.
Unlike Instagram, which is about curated, polished content, Instants is designed for quick, real-life snapshots. The app borrows ideas from social platforms like Snapchat, Locket, and BeReal, as it focuses on authentic and ephemeral content.
It’s worth noting that Instagram has been testing Instants as an in-app feature in certain regions before today. The company says users can choose to use Instants either within the standard Instagram app or through the standalone Instants app.
“To give people low-pressure ways to connect with friends, we’re testing an app called Instants to share casual photos and videos in the moment,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “We’re exploring multiple versions of Instants to see what people like, and will listen to our community.”
You can share Instants with your mutual followers or your Close Friends list. Instagram notes that these lists are the same across the Instagram and Instant apps.
The app is available on iOS and Android.
Although Instagram started as a way for friends to share content with one another, over time, it has become more impersonal as it has been flooded with ads and influencers. By introducing a new app for low-stakes, “in the moment” sharing, the company is looking to go back to its roots while also responding to competition from apps that focus on ephemeral sharing and close friend interactions.
However, Instagram may be a bit late to capitalize on the trend of low-pressure, unfiltered photo sharing, as BeReal is not as popular as it once was. At the same time, many people already use Instagram Stories, the app’s Snapchat clone, for quick sharing and may not see the need for a separate app to do so. Given these factors, it’ll be interesting to see how Instants plays out.
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
Young attacking talent Ekeh Smart announced himself in style at the ongoing Femmco Football Championship 2026, scoring twice to inspire Sharp Striker FA to an impressive 4-1 victory over Radiance FA in their opening U-15 encounter at the NUD Playing Ground, Olose, Ifo, Ogun State.
READ ALSO: “I Dream of Playing for Nigeria Like Osimhen” — Femmco U-10 Star Tella Boluwatife
Smart was at the heart of Sharp Striker’s attacking display, producing a clinical brace to help his side begin their campaign on a winning note. His goals came at crucial moments as Sharp Striker overcame a competitive first half before taking control of the encounter.
Speaking exclusively with Sports247 after the match, Smart expressed his excitement at the victory while revealing his determination to continue contributing to the team’s success.
“I feel so excited and determined to win more games,” Smart said.
Despite Sharp Striker facing difficulties during the opening half, the young forward revealed that he never doubted his team’s ability to secure victory. According to Smart, his confidence remained intact from the moment the match kicked off.
“Despite struggling in the first half, I had the mindset that we were going to win from kickoff,” he explained.
His belief was eventually rewarded as Sharp Striker found their rhythm and produced a convincing second-half performance to complete the 4-1 victory.
Smart was also quick to acknowledge the source of his football ability, describing his skills as a gift from God while recognising the importance of continued learning and development.
“My skills are God-given,” he stated.
The young footballer draws inspiration from one of the most decorated players in modern football, Cristiano Ronaldo, whose career and mentality have made a strong impression on him.
Following his brace, Smart revealed that he regularly watches videos of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward as he seeks to learn from the Portuguese superstar’s movement, finishing and approach to the game.
Beyond his individual ambitions, however, Smart has set his sights on representing Nigeria.
“A moment of greatness would come when I represent the nation,” he declared.
The Sharp Striker youngster understands that reaching that level requires patience, discipline and continuous improvement.
His message was simple but ambitious: “The sky is the limit. I am learning better and I will keep learning.”
With a brace already under his belt, Smart has made an early statement at the Femmco U-15 Championship.
The challenge now is to maintain his form, continue learning and help Sharp Striker FA push deeper into the competition.
-
Health4 days agoINVESTIGATION: Social media, anonymous websites drive Nigeria’s poorly regulated weight-loss injection market
-
Health4 days ago
Niger records 124 diphtheria cases, 17 deaths — Commissioner
-
News4 days ago
2027: Publish your assets before election – SERAP tells Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others
-
Health3 days ago
WHO recommends a clinical trial of Ebola vaccine against Bundibugyo virus
