Social NetworksWhat Parents Need to Know About Instagram's New "Instants" Feature

With the new “Instants” feature, Instagram users can share spontaneous photos and videos directly with selected contacts. Similar to other apps that focus on quick and authentic glimpses into everyday life, this can also pose risks for children and teens. For example, there is a risk that they might reveal sensitive information or lose track of who can see their content. Parents should therefore understand how Instants works, what privacy settings are available, and what topics they should discuss with their child.

What Parents Need to Know About Instagram's New "Instants" Feature

What is Instants?

With Instants, Instagram is introducing a feature that differs significantly from the platform’s traditional posts. Instead of permanently publishing photos or videos on their profile, users can send spontaneous snaps directly to selected contacts. The content can only be viewed once and then disappears. It is deleted after 24 hours at the latest and is no longer visible to anyone. Additionally, only newly taken photos and videos can be sent. Content from the gallery or heavily edited posts are not supported.

Anyone who uses other social networks will likely recognize this concept. Instagram is adopting key elements from apps like Snapchat and BeReal, which focus on spontaneous and ephemeral content. For Instagram, this is another step toward integrating successful features from competing platforms into its own. The goal is typically to lock users into its own ecosystem and discourage them from using other services.

“Instants” can be used both directly within the regular Instagram app and via a standalone “Instants” app. Users cannot decide individually for each photo who can see it. Instead, an Instant is shared either with the “Close Friends” list or with all “Friends” —that is, the people you follow and who follow you back. Recipients can react to an Instant with emojis or reply with text. Unlike a regular post, these reactions are not visible to other users. Only the person who posted the Instant can see, for example, how many people in total reacted with a specific emoji or what replies were received.

After being sent, Instants can be unsent. They will then no longer be displayed. There is also the option to report problematic Instants that violate Instagram’s Community Guidelines.

What risks can arise from using instant products?

The "Instant" feature on Instagram is used to share very spontaneous and short-form content —and this is precisely where various risks for children and teens can arise. An important consideration is privacy and control over content. Since an Instant is sent either to “Close Friends” or to all “Friends,” there are fewer precise options for selection than with individual direct messages. As a result, content can reach more people more quickly than might have been intended. Spontaneous posts, in particular, also make it more likely that personal or sensitive information will be shared without careful consideration.

Another aspect is dealing with supposedly self-deleting content. Instagram uses technical safeguards to prevent screenshots and screen recordings within the app. However, with a little effort, content can still be saved—for example, through third-party apps or by taking a photo of the screen with a second device.

Finally, social pressure also plays a role. The fast-paced and unfiltered nature of communication can lead children and teens to react to posts more frequently or post content themselves in order to stay connected with friends. At the same time, the visible emoji reactions can make the creator feel as though they’re being judged, even if this feedback isn’t visible to other users. That’s why it can be helpful for parents to talk with their children about choosing “close friends” and being mindful of the content they share.

What should parents keep in mind?

  1. Stay in the Loop
    Talk regularly with your child about how they use Instagram. Actively ask which features they find interesting right now, and have them show and explain features like Instants to you. This will help you better understand how the app is used in everyday life.
  2. Talk About Content and Boundaries
    Discuss together what kinds of content are appropriate to share online—and what should remain private. Especially with spontaneous features like Instants, it helps to clarify in advance how to handle personal information sensitively.
  3. Manage friend lists thoughtfully
    Review the “Close Friends” and “Friends” lists together. These lists directly determine who can see content. It’s a good idea to check them regularly and keep them small and manageable.
  4. Familiarize Yourself withReporting and Protection Features
    Familiarize your child with Instagram’sreporting and blocking options. This way, they’ll know how to respond if they encounter inappropriate content or problematic contacts.
  5. Use technical parental control settings
    Work together to use the platform’s built-in safety and guidance features, such as parental controls or Teen Accounts. These can help you better monitor usage time and privacy settings. Step-by-step instructions can be found at www.medien-kindersicher.de.
  6. Raise awareness about the impact of “ephemeral” content
    Explain to your child that even content that is only visible for a short time can still be saved or shared. It is therefore important to be mindful when sharing.