Instagram is rolling out Quicksnap, a new way to send fast, photo-based messages via Direct Messages. Taking cues from Snapchat, this feature adds a visual twist to your conversations. Here’s how you can try it out.
Quicksnap is currently rolling out to users, so before you open your app to see if you have it, we recommend checking if there are any new updates available for the Instagram app on your phone.
If you see a button that says Update, it means that a new version of the app has arrived. Press it to update the app.
Close the Instagram app if you have it open, and then launch it again. Now, go to Direct Messages like you would normally do, by pressing the paper plane icon (or Messenger one) in the upper right corner.
Look in the upper right side of the display. Under the Ask Meta AI or Search bar, and on the right of Notes. If you have the new feature, you should see a sticker sticking out on the right. Tap on it to launch it.
Note: Doo not confuse this feature with Notes, which allows Instagram users to write quick messages for their followers in Direct Messages. Here’s how you can take advantage of Instagram Notes.
If you don’t see anything just yet, it might mean that the Quicksnap hasn’t reached your region yet. You’ll have a bit of waiting to do, but keep checking back daily, and maybe you’ll get lucky soon enough! Currently, the option doesn’t appear to be available for the web version of Instagram.
Instagram’s new Quicksnap feature is inspired by Snapchat’s snaps. The idea is to make chatting with friends feel more spontaneous and visual.
When you launch Quicksnap for the first time, you’ll notice a pop-up introducing the new feature, followed by a screen sharing more details about it. Press Try it in both instances to start using the feature.
Up next, you can go ahead and span your image using either the selfie camera or the rear-facing one. Quicksnaps are all about capturing the moment. They’re spontaneous photos you share with your friends to show what you’re up to – no filters, no edits. What you snap is exactly what they see.
The only thing you can add is a caption. Do so by pressing on the Aa button on the camera view.
When it’s time to send, you can opt to create custom lists of friends. For instance, if you want to share with your family, you can create a group that contains only your siblings and parents. Tap on the shutter button below.
On the next page, select the people you want to include in the group, name your group at the top and assign it an emoji, then tap Create list.
Now, select the group in question and press the shutter button to take the Quicksnap. You can also tap into any Close Friends lists of friends you might already have. That’s it, your image will be on its way to your feed.
Note: you can’t send images from your gallery, you need to snap a fresh picture.
At the other end, the receiving party will get a notification, letting them know you’ve sent a Quicksnap. To access it, they will have to go to Direct Message and press on the image peaking out of the edge of the display on the left.
You can send a quick message or simply use an emoji answer. Once the Quicksnap plays in full, it will automatically be deleted.
Quicksnaps are automatically saved for the senderr and you can view them by pressing on the icon in the lower left corner.
Alternatively, you can create a Quicksnap directly from your Instagram feed.Pressn the + button at the bottom and switch to Quicksnap.
Unfortunately, you can’t remove Quicksnap from your Instagram DMS. Once Instagram rolls out the feature to your app, it stays. All you can do is do your best to ignore it.
If you prefer sharing stories on Instagram instead, which are customizable and remain visible for up to 24 hours, you might find it useful to go through our guide detailing how to add links to Instagram stories. Alternatively, read up on how to change the background colour on your Instagram story.
