Instagram has been blasted for its latest tool, which disgruntled fans have dubbed a 'Snapchat clone'. 

The tool, called Instants, lets you share photos that disappear after your friends have viewed them – just like Snapchat. 

Meta claims this 'makes it easier to share life's moments with friends as they happen'. 

However, Instants has not gone down well on social media. 

Taking to X, one user said: 'Instagram took 15 years to copy Snapchat's first feature,' while another said: 'Can one social media platform not try and be every single other one.'

Others admitted the instantaneousness of the tool took them by surprise – with one user even caught taking a selfie on the toilet. 

'tried to use the new ig instant feature and accidentally posted a picture of me on the toilet,' they said. 

Thankfully, if you're not a fan of Instants there's a simple way to turn it off – here's how. 

Meta announced the new tool in a blog post this week. 

'We want to make it easier to share in the moment with friends – so we're introducing Instants, a new way to share casual, everyday photos that disappear after your friends view them,' it explained. 

'Instants live in the bottom right corner of your Instagram inbox, and with a simple tap of the camera, you can share photos with close friends or mutuals (followers you follow back). 

'No edits, no pressure, just life as it happens.'

The tool can be accessed via your Instagram inbox, where you'll now notice a mini stack of photos at the bottom right corner. 

To take a photo, tap the white button – but be warned, there are no take–backs. 

While an 'undo' button will appear the moment you take the photo, this quickly disappears, sharing the unfiltered snap with all your friends. 

What's more, your friends can react, reply, and share photos in response, although they'll only be able to view your shot once. 

The tool has only been out for a day, but has already caught many users off guard. 

Taking to X, one user said: 'What the f*** are those instants on Instagram and why didn't anyone tell me that EVERYONE can see that.'

Another vented: 'Instagram trash instants immediately. 

'I had no idea tf they were and it opened up my camera and got me NAKED. 

'Y'all gonna ruin someone's life.'

And one admitted: 'I just got an "instants" notification on Instagram and accidentally sent a cheeky selfie to everyone and their mother.' 

If you're worried you'll accidentally send a photo of you in a compromising position, you'll be relieved to hear that there's a simple way to turn Instants off. 

Simply open your Instagram profile and tap the three lines in the top right corner. 

Select 'Content Preferences', and then toggle on 'Hide instants in your inbox'. 

'Instagram's in–app controls including block, mute and restrict all apply to instants – so you can limit receiving instants from specific friends,' Instagram reassured. 

'Your instants can only be seen by those you choose to share it with – your Close Friends, or mutuals (followers you follow back).'