Tech News

Instagram Night Mode Camera Now Available on Select Android Phones

Highlights

Instagram has introduced a Night Mode camera feature for Android users.
It is initially rolling out on Google Pixel 6 including newer models and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Flip 6 and Fold 6.
The Night Mode is based on Android’s Camera Extensions API.

Before and after results of Instagram’s Night Mode camera feature. (Image credit – 9to5Google)

Instagram has introduced a Night Mode camera feature for Android users based on Android’s Camera Extensions API. This new mode is expected to enhance low-light photography for Instagram while allowing Instagram users to capture nighttime shots directly within the app. As per reports, the new mode is initially rolling out on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones.

Here’s everything we know about this update.

Instagram Night Mode Camera – Availability

Google Pixel: The feature launched with the Android 15 Feature Drop in October and is available on Pixel 6 and newer models.
Samsung Galaxy: Night Mode is now accessible on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Flip 6 and Fold 6 with more devices expected to join the list soon.

Instagram Night Mode Camera – Future Updates and Compatibility

According to Google, over 120 Android devices already support Camera Extensions representing more than 75 million monthly active users.

With Android 16, a Night Mode Indicator API will be introduced to better detect low-light scenarios.

Instagram Night Mode Camera – What’s New?

The Camera Extensions API helps apps access specific camera features tailored to the hardware they run on, as designed by the device manufacturers (OEMs).

Some key features include:

Bokeh: Sharpens the foreground and blurs the background often used for portraits.
Face Retouch: Improves skin texture and tones.
High Dynamic Range (HDR): Enhances exposure, merging multiple photos for vivid results.
Night: Brightens low-light photos by combining several images with different exposure settings.

The Instagram Night Mode Camera Extension shows a moon icon in low light and prompts to Hold Still before capturing the shot. (Image credit – 9to5Google)

Instagram’s Night Mode uses the Night Camera Extension, offering users a moon icon next to the flash in low-light conditions. Once activated, users are prompted to “Hold Still” for a few seconds while the camera takes multiple shots and merges them for an optimized image.

Google describes this feature as “Night Sight for Instagram,” enabling users to take crisp, true-to-life nighttime photos without needing a flash.

The API will have three states:

UNKNOWN: Lighting conditions can’t be reliably determined.
OFF: Lighting is bright enough and Night Mode may not enhance photo quality.
ON: Low-light conditions detected and Night Mode is recommended for optimal results.

FAQS

Q1. What devices initially support the Instagram Night Mode camera feature?

Answer. The Instagram Night Mode camera feature is initially rolling out on Google Pixel 6 and newer models, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Flip 6, and Fold 6.

Q2. What key features does Instagram’s Night Mode offer?

Answer. Instagram’s Night Mode enhances low-light photography by combining multiple shots and includes features like Bokeh, Face Retouch, HDR and Night for better image quality.

Q3. What future updates are expected for Instagram’s Night Mode?

Answer. With Android 16, a Night Mode Indicator API will be introduced to better detect low-light scenarios. Over 120 Android devices already support Camera Extensions, representing more than 75 million monthly active users.