Many people use Instagram Stories as a subtle way to get noticed by their crush, sometimes even tweaking the audience settings so only that special someone can see it. A new IG update takes that idea a step further. Since the photo disappears after just one view, it feels even more personal and exclusive, like a quick wink that's here one moment and gone the next.
After rolling out a map feature for real-time location sharing, the platform is now testing this playful update that lets users send instant, unedited photos to friends - no filters, no frills - just pure candid vibes or even exclusive content.
Quicksnap is currently being tested among more beta users and is designed for people who enjoy sharing spontaneous, unfiltered moments. Unlike Instagram Stories, which stay up for 24 hours, a Quicksnap disappears right after a single view, giving your mutual followers just one chance to catch your candid photo.
Instagram explains it as a way to "share little moments with the people who get you," highlighting authenticity over aesthetics. Think of it as the stripped-down cousin of Stories, where oversharing is replaced by one-shot intimacy.
Quicksnaps appear at the top of your inbox alongside Notes, making them easy for friends to see. But unlike a regular post, they're private and limited to followers you also follow back. Recipients won't know who else got your snap, keeping the experience more discreet.
To keep things in check, Instagram has also included safety tools. Users can mute friends if they'd rather not receive Quicksnaps, and they can revisit their own archive to view, download or delete past snaps. At the same time, content is still subject to the platform's Community Standards, ensuring users keep the sharing respectful.
The platform reminds users to "be kind and respectful."
In short, Instagram Stories are polished and last longer, while Quicksnap is all about being quick, unfiltered and gone in a blink, designed for fleeting, candid sharing with a smaller circle of friends, or just even your crush.