Instagram’s new Moments app is Snapchat’s version of thirst traps

Meta launched a A new app released Wednesday, called Instants, integrates with existing apps Instagram Accounts and allows users to send unedited and hidden photos. The Instants feature leans on the popularity of Instagram’s Stories feature Close friend listswhere users can selectively share photos with a smaller audience.

Instants is available as a standalone app On iOS and Android In select countries, it can be accessed through Instagram’s direct messaging tab.

The essence of Instants, from its name to the basic design, is designed to evoke a sense of transience. Yes, it’s a conceptual version of Snapchatwith images that disappear after viewing, which may also not be sent before the person on the other end views them. (Instagram’s Stories feature, which launched a decade ago, did as well Influenced by Snapchat.)

Unlike Snapchat, Instants is more focused on capturing raw moments, like the ones that were once popular BeReal appNo filters or retouching allowed. This is remarkable for a company that has helped make sepia filters, such as Valencia, household names, and is determined to add Generative artificial intelligence To every other corner of its applications.

Courtesy of Meta

There’s one specific type of raw photo that I absolutely believe adult users will share with their close friends list via IM: penis photos.

Instagram’s Close Friends feature, which arrived in 2018, has gained a reputation as a way to… Share thirst traps. As a gay man living in San Francisco, I’m very aware of what I’ll see when someone adds me to their list and posts to their close friends. No one posts a whole pig on the homepage – which would get banned by Meta – but there’s plenty of skin on display in those green bubbles.

Similar to Instagram, the Instants feature is available for teen users. However, content posted on either app may appear adult in nature. While Instagram Community guidelines Most nudity is banned, except for sculptures and breastfeeding, and practically speaking, the main feed on my Instagram is full of butt shots – nothing in front of me. Photos posted to Stories only to close friend lists, rather than shared publicly, often seem to avoid stricter moderation rules. Instants is subject to the same guidelines as the main Instagram app.

ScreenshotCourtesy of Meta