Instagram The new “Instant” feature has officially launched globally. The feature introduces the disappearing photo sharing feature directly into the user’s DM inbox. However, the product’s launch has sparked confusion, privacy complaints and viral backlash online.
The functionality is very similar to the following element Snapshot andBeReal. It allows users to send temporary photos that disappear after viewing or 24 hours later.
Despite this, many Instagram users claim that the interface is unclear, leading to unintentional photo sharing.
What is Instagram Live?
Meta describes Instants as a more “authentic” and spontaneous way to share real-time moments, without filtering or careful editing. The platform launched Instants on May 13.
“Instant messages are ephemeral for the viewer, but remain in your profile for up to a year and can be re-shared as a Story review,” Instagram’s press release reads.
Instagram says you can share instant messages only with specific friends or a select group of followers. Friends can reply to the image by replying and their replies will be directed to a private message.
unlike Instagram Storiesusers can’t upload images from their camera roll or heavily edit photos before sending them. These images disappear once opened, and recipients cannot comment or repost them publicly.
The feature is located in the lower right corner of your Instagram inbox and is like a mini photo stack. When you share a moment, it appears as a bunch of images in the lower right corner of your friend’s inbox and disappears after viewing.
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Why are users unhappy with this feature?
One of the biggest complaints involves the feature’s default sharing settings. TechCrunch reported that Instants automatically defaulted to “Friends” unless users manually switched to “Close Friends” before taking a photo, leading some people to accidentally send a wider range of photos than intended.
Sharing toggle with two options: “Friends” and “Close Friends”. It’s located directly below the shutter button when you launch the camera interface. This feature is set in “Friends” by default.
However, most users don’t realize that when they press the shutter button, their photos are automatically shared to all the friends they follow. Some users were unaware the photo had been shared with their entire watchlist when they first used the feature.
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How to turn off Instagram live feed?
As complaints spread online, tech media and Reddit users quickly began sharing instructions on how to disable the feature.
Users can turn off instant by:
- Open Instagram
- Go to profile
- Click on the three-line menu
- Select “Content Preferences”
- Enable “Hide instant messages in inbox”
Once enabled, users will no longer see the Instant feature or receive instant messages from others.
Users can also temporarily hide the feature by pressing and holding the instant stack in their inbox and swiping right.
