Brijesh Desai 
Meta is working on a Snapchat-like disappearing photo app called Instants—internal prototype with ephemeral photo/video sharing to rival Snapchat’s core feature.
Meta is working on a Snapchat-like disappearing photo app named Instants, currently in internal prototype stage with no external testing yet. Discovered by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi in Instagram’s code, the standalone app promises “Share disappearing photos with friends” functionality mirroring Snapchat’s core ephemeral sharing. Meta confirmed to Business Insider it’s purely internal—no public rollout timeline exists.
Dual Development Tracks
- Standalone Instants App: Snapchat-style dedicated experience
- Instagram Instants Feature: DM integration (formerly “Shots”)
- Internal Prototype Only: No external beta or public access
- Code References: “Also from Meta” app section discovered
Instants Feature Mechanics (Instagram DM)
- Photos/videos disappear immediately after opening
- 24-hour auto-expiry if unopened
- Mutual follow required (you follow them, they follow back)
- No editing capabilities—pure capture-and-send
- Limited testing in select countries only
Meta’s Snapchat Copycat History
| Year | Copied Feature | Instagram Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Stories | 500M daily users (killed Snapchat growth) |
| 2020 | Vanish Mode | DM threads auto-delete on swipe-up |
| 2026 | Instants | Ephemeral photos/videos in DMs |
| ? | Streaks | Coming to compete with Snapchat loyalty |
- Snapchat Retention: 80% Gen Z usage for private sharing
- Instagram DM Fatigue: Main app bloated with ads/reels
- Lightweight Alternative: Pure ephemeral focus, no algorithm
- Privacy Appeal: View-once reduces screenshot anxiety
- Mutual Follow Gate: Prevents spam/abuse
Technical Implementation Details
- End-to-End Encryption: Expected for private sharing
- Server-Side Expiry: No local storage after viewing
- Screenshot Detection: Likely notifications (Snapchat-style)
- Camera-First UI: Quick-capture, minimal interface
- Cross-App Integration: “Also from Meta” discoverability
Competitive Landscape
Snapchat Strengths:
• 414M MAU, Gen Z dominance
• AR lenses, streak culture
• 5-year ephemeral lead
Meta Advantages:
• 2B+ Instagram users
• Cross-app ecosystem
• Proven copycat execution
• Ad monetization expertise
Potential Launch Timeline
- Internal Testing: Q1 2026 (current stage)
- Limited External Beta: Q2 2026 (select markets)
- Global Rollout: H2 2026 (post-Instagram feature maturity)
- Full App Store Launch: 2027 (if standalone survives testing)
User Experience Vision
1. Open Instants → Instant camera (no feed)
2. Snap photo/video → Mutual friends list
3. Send → Recipient views → Immediately deleted
4. Screenshot notification sent to sender
5. 24hr expiry for unopened media
Privacy & Safety Features Expected
- Mutual follow verification only
- Screenshot capture notifications
- No save/download capabilities
- Server-side deletion enforcement
- Report/block integration with Instagram
Meta is working on a Snapchat-like disappearing photo app to recapture ephemeral sharing from Snapchat’s Gen Z stronghold. Instants represents Meta’s most direct assault yet—standalone app potential signals they’re not content with Instagram DM features alone. Snapchat should sweat; Meta’s execution rarely misses.