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Having second thoughts? Here’s how to unsend Instagram Direct messages

Published Dec 16th, 2013 7:45PM EST
How To Unsend Instagram Direct

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At a press conference last week, Instagram unveiled a new feature for its mobile apps called Instagram Direct. With messaging apps having been identified as the next big thing du jour, Instagram finally decided it was time to get in on the action. Instagram Direct is a private messaging service built into Instagram’s existing mobile apps, meaning after a simple update, almost every Instagram user out there has instant access to the service. Users can send photos and videos privately, and then exchange text messages from within the app as well. But what happens when you inevitably have second thoughts after sharing a photo or video privately? Luckily, “unsending” an Instagram Direct message could not be easier.

As noted in a quick guide put together by Business Insider, deleting a photo or video sent via Instagram Direct only takes a few simple steps. It should be noted, however, that you’ll have to be quick about it — messages can be deleted at any time but it obviously only matters if you delete them before your recipient opens them.

In a nutshell, to delete an Instagram Direct photo or video simply open the message and tap the ellipsis next to the comment field under the photo or video. Then tap “Delete this post” and confirm your intentions in the dialog box that pops up.

That’s it.

Your recipient will have already received a notification that you sent him or her a message, but it will not be accessible if you delete it before he or she opens it. Also of note, once deleted, the relevant photo or video will be removed from your Instagram Direct outbox but it will still be present in your camera roll.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.