The function allows users to set a countdown before a photo or video is automatically captured within the Instagram application. For example, a user can select a three or ten-second timer, position the device, and then be included in the resulting media without needing to physically press the capture button.
This feature enhances the ease of creating self-generated content, particularly for solo users or when specific framing and composition are desired. Its introduction facilitated increased user engagement by enabling more dynamic and planned content creation, moving beyond spontaneous, immediate captures.