Instagram's new Instants app is essentially a repeat of Snapchat.

      Disappearing photos, one-time views, and a familiar strategy.

      Instagram is revisiting its origins, or at least heavily borrowing from another’s blueprint. This time, it’s more than just a feature; it’s an entirely new app. Instagram has begun testing a standalone app called Instants, which is focused exclusively on sharing disappearing photos and brief videos with friends.

      What is Instagram's new Instants app?

      The idea is straightforward. You launch the app, snap a photo or record a short video, and send it right away. No filters, no extensive edits, no second-guessing. The content is viewable only once and disappears, or expires after 24 hours if not opened. Currently, the app is being tested in specific regions like Spain and Italy, indicating that it's still very much an experiment rather than a comprehensive global launch.

      Instagram Instants / Google Play Store

      In terms of its approach, Instants combines elements of Snapchat, BeReal, and even Instagram’s earlier attempts at disappearing content. However, this time it offers a dedicated experience instead of being tucked away in DMs.

      Why is Instagram launching yet another app?

      If this sounds familiar, it is because it is. Instagram has a long-standing practice of adopting ideas from competitors and transforming them into widely used features. Stories and Reels are prime examples, and now Instants appears to be the next iteration in that same trend.

      The more significant change here is one of behavior. Social media is shifting from polished, public postings to more private, low-pressure sharing among close friends. Instants is clearly designed for this purpose. It reduces the process to merely the camera and the moment, alleviating the pressure to curate or edit content. Additionally, sharing is limited, often restricted to mutual followers or close friends, thereby fostering a more personal and less performative experience.

      This seems to be Instagram making another attempt to capture the essence of Snapchat’s primary concept. Disappearing photos, one-time views, and instant sharing are all directly derived from that model. The unique aspect is how it is being trialed; instead of being integrated into Instagram, Meta is experimenting with a separate, simplified app. It's more about investigating new user behavior than replacing Instagram, despite the fact that prior standalone apps haven’t always succeeded.

      Varun is an experienced technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer tech media. His work spans…

      

      X is discontinuing communities, but you now have custom timelines and group chats.

      From forums to feeds and chats

      X is undergoing one of its most significant structural changes in years, and it’s quite noticeable. A fundamental feature is being eliminated, but the platform is instead enhancing AI-driven feeds and real-time chats.

      Why is X shutting down Communities?

      Meta is allowing parents to monitor their children's chats with AI and step in before issues escalate.

      Meta's new tools for supervising teens don’t provide parents with a full transcript; instead, they offer just enough context for parents to engage in the right conversation before problems arise.

      

      Meta has faced criticism regarding teen safety and AI for some time now. After a Wall Street Journal investigation, a lost lawsuit in New Mexico, and an inquiry from the FTC, the company is finally implementing some significant parental supervision measures.

      Today, Meta is launching a new Insights tab in its supervision hub across three of its most widely used platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. While the name may not immediately convey its purpose, this feature gives parents insight into what their teenagers are discussing with Meta AI on all these apps.

      YouTube is targeting celebrity deepfakes with new AI likeness detection technology.

      YouTube is taking action against celebrity deepfakes, and this time, it’s not just addressing the issue in vague terms of platform safety. In a recent blog post, YouTube announced an expansion of its likeness detection technology to the entertainment sector.

      Now, this technology will be available to talent agencies and management firms for the celebrities they represent. This tool functions similarly to Content ID but instead of matching copyrighted media, it identifies AI-generated content that uses a person's likeness and gives eligible participants the ability to locate that content and request its removal.