Instagram Disappearing Messages: How to Send Vanishing Chats Like Snapchat

Last updated on December 6th, 2024 at 05:04 pm

Instagram has evolved into more than just a photo-sharing platform.

With its new features, including Instagram disappearing messages, users can now send vanishing chats, similar to the functionality on Snapchat.

This feature allows you to send photos, videos, and messages that automatically disappear after being viewed, making your conversations more private and secure.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Instagram disappearing messages and how this feature works, ensuring your chats remain temporary and confidential.

 

What Are Instagram Disappearing Messages?

Instagram disappearing messages are messages that automatically vanish after they’ve been viewed by the recipient.

These messages can include photos, videos, or text, and once the recipient opens and views them, they disappear permanently.

Similar to Snapchat’s famous feature, Instagram disappearing messages ensure that the content is only available for a limited time.

Unlike regular messages on Instagram Direct, which remain visible until deleted, disappearing messages offer an added layer of privacy.

Whether you’re sharing sensitive information or simply want a temporary chat, this feature makes sure your content isn’t saved forever.

 

How to Send Instagram Disappearing Messages

Now, let’s go step-by-step on how to send Instagram disappearing messages and take advantage of this privacy-enhancing feature.

 

Step 1: Open Instagram Direct Messages

First, open your Instagram app on your phone and navigate to the Direct Messages section by tapping the paper plane icon in the upper right corner of your screen.

This will take you to the list of your active conversations.

 

Step 2: Select or Start a New Chat

To send a disappearing message, you can either open an existing chat with a user or start a new conversation by selecting the New Message icon and choosing a contact from your list.

 

Step 3: Open the Camera for Disappearing Messages

Next, instead of typing a regular message, tap the Camera icon in the lower left corner of your chat screen.

This will open your camera, allowing you to take a photo or record a video to send as a disappearing message.

 

Step 4: Capture Your Content

Take the photo or record the video you want to send.

You can also apply filters, add stickers, or draw on the image to customize it.

 

Step 5: Select “View Once,” “Allow Replay,” or “Keep in Chat”

After capturing your content, Instagram will provide options for how the recipient can view the disappearing message:

View Once: The recipient can only view the message once, and it disappears immediately after.

Allow Replay: The recipient can replay the message once before it disappears.

Keep in Chat: The message remains in the chat, but the recipient is notified that the content is temporary.

Select the option that best suits your needs for privacy and proceed to send the message.

 

Step 6: Send the Message

Once you’ve chosen how the message will disappear, hit Send to share your vanishing message.

Your contact will receive it in their Direct Messages, and it will disappear based on the option you selected.

 

How to Send Disappearing Text Messages on Instagram

In addition to photos and videos, you can also send Instagram disappearing messages in the form of text by using Vanish Mode. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Chat: Go to the chat where you want to send the disappearing text.

2. Swipe Up: To enable Vanish Mode, swipe up from the bottom of the chat screen.

This will activate the Vanish Mode, turning the background of the chat to dark mode.

3. Send Your Message: Now you can type and send your message, which will disappear after the recipient views it and the chat is closed.

4. Exit Vanish Mode: To turn off Vanish Mode, simply swipe up again.

This will take you back to normal chat mode, and any further messages sent won’t disappear.

 

Why Use Instagram Disappearing Messages?

There are several reasons why you might want to use Instagram disappearing messages:

1. Enhanced Privacy: Whether you’re sharing sensitive information or just want a more secure conversation, disappearing messages ensure that content isn’t stored permanently.

2. Avoid Message Clutter: Some conversations don’t need to be kept, and Instagram disappearing messages help declutter your Direct Messages.

3. Spontaneous Sharing: Sometimes, you just want to send a quick photo or video without leaving a trace.

This feature mimics the spontaneity of Snapchat’s disappearing messages, giving your conversations a fun and temporary element.

4. Control Over Content: With options like “View Once” or “Allow Replay,” you can control how many times the recipient can view your message before it disappears.

 

How to View Instagram Disappearing Messages

When someone sends you an Instagram disappearing message, you’ll be able to view it based on the settings they’ve applied (View Once, Allow Replay, or Keep in Chat). Here’s how to view it:

• Open your Direct Messages.
• Tap on the conversation with the disappearing message.
• View the message according to the sender’s settings (either once or with one replay).

After the message is viewed, it will disappear if it was set to vanish after one or two views.

 

Important Notes About Instagram Disappearing Messages

Screenshots: Instagram notifies users if someone takes a screenshot of a disappearing message.

This is a security feature aimed at protecting the privacy of the sender.

Limited Time: Disappearing messages are only available for a limited time.

If you don’t view the message in a timely manner, it may expire, and you won’t be able to access it later.

No Deletion Required: Since the messages disappear automatically, there’s no need to manually delete them from your conversation thread.

 

 

FAQs on Instagram Disappearing Messages: How to Send Vanishing Chats Like Snapchat

Can I send disappearing messages to any Instagram account?

Yes, you can send Instagram disappearing messages to anyone you follow or have chatted with on Instagram.

However, the recipient must be using the latest version of the app to receive these types of messages.

 

Can I replay a disappearing message?

It depends on how the sender has set the message.

If they selected the “Allow Replay” option, you can view it twice. Otherwise, it disappears after a single view.

 

Can someone save my disappearing message?

No, Instagram disappearing messages can’t be saved by default.

However, the recipient could take a screenshot, but you would receive a notification if they do.

 

Can I delete a disappearing message before the recipient views it?

No, once you send a disappearing message, you cannot unsend it or delete it before the recipient views it.

It will automatically vanish based on the settings after they see it.

 

Can I send disappearing messages on Instagram Web?

No, currently, Instagram disappearing messages can only be sent from the mobile app, not from the web version.

 

Conclusion

Instagram’s disappearing messages feature is an excellent way to ensure privacy and spontaneity in your chats.

By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily send Instagram disappearing messages to anyone on your contact list.

Whether you’re sharing photos, videos, or even text via Vanish Mode, this feature allows you to maintain control over your content and ensure that it vanishes after being viewed.

Next time you want to share something quickly without leaving a permanent trace, try sending an Instagram disappearing message for a more secure and engaging experience.