Meta is working on a new standalone app to compete with Snapchat in ephemeral messaging. Reports say the company has developed an internal prototype called Instants. This app lets users send photos and videos that disappear after being viewed. Meta is also testing a feature with the same name inside Instagram.

Snapchat-Style Disappearing Photos

The upcoming app follows a model similar to Snapchat. Users can share disappearing photos with friends. A Meta spokesperson told Business Insider that the app remains an internal prototype. The company has not started public testing yet.

What Is ‘Instants’?

Mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi discovered references to Instants on Instagram’s “Also from Meta” page. The listing describes Instants as a tool for sharing disappearing photos with friends. This discovery suggests that Meta is actively experimenting with the concept.

Instants Feature Inside Instagram

Meta has confirmed that it is testing Instants within Instagram. The feature was earlier called Shots. It is currently available only in limited testing. Some countries have access to it as part of early trials.

How Instants May Work

Instants allows users to send disappearing photos through Instagram Direct Messages. The photo disappears once the recipient opens it. The media also expires automatically after 24 hours. Users can send Instants only to mutual followers. The feature does not allow editing.

Instagram Already Offers Similar Tools

Instagram already supports disappearing messages. Features like View Once and Vanish Mode remove content after a set time. Instants expands Meta’s focus on ephemeral communication.

Launch Still Unclear

This move could bring Instagram closer to Snapchat’s core experience. However, Meta has not confirmed a public launch. Like many internal projects, Instants may stay in testing. The company may decide on a wider rollout later.