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.
