Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms for sharing photos, videos, and quick moments with friends. Over the years, Instagram has introduced several features to help users control their privacy, and one of the most useful tools is the “View Once” option. This feature allows you to send a photo or video that disappears immediately after the recipient opens it—perfect for sharing temporary moments, sensitive information, or fun snaps that you don’t want saved.
If you’ve ever wondered how to send a view once photo on Instagram, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android device, or the latest version of Instagram, the instructions below will help you master this feature quickly.
What is Instagram’s view once feature?
Instagram’s View Once option lets you send disappearing photos or videos through Direct Message (DM). After the recipient opens the message, the media automatically deletes, and neither you nor the person you sent it to can view it again.
Here’s what makes View Once unique:
- Single-time view: The recipient can open the photo or video only once.
- Cannot save or open again: Once viewed, the media is permanently gone.
- Indicates if a screenshot was taken: Instagram notifies you if the recipient takes a screenshot or screen recording.
- Perfect for quick moments: Great for spontaneous photos you don’t want saved.
Instagram also offers:
- Allow Replay – the user can view it more than once.
- Keep in Chat – the photo stays in the chat like a normal message.
But in this tutorial, we focus only on View Once.
Why use Instagram’s view once feature?
Sending View Once photos is helpful in many situations:
Privacy Control: Sharing personal or sensitive content becomes safer because the photo disappears after being viewed.
Temporary Moments: A fun face, a quick behind-the-scenes shot, or a moment you don’t want to keep in chat forever.
More Natural Conversations: Since the media is temporary, it feels more like real-life conversations that aren’t recorded.
Reduces Clutter: Your chat stays clean and free from unnecessary photos and videos.
How to send view once Photo on Instagram
Follow these simple steps to send a View Once photo or video using Instagram Direct Message:
Step 1: Open Instagram
Launch the Instagram app on your Android or iPhone. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version for best performance and new features.
Step 2: Open your direct Messages
Tap the Messenger icon at the top-right corner of the home screen. This will open your inbox where you can see all your conversations.
Step 3: Choose a Chat
Select the person you want to send a View Once photo to. You can choose an existing chat or start a new one by tapping the compose message button.
Step 4: Open the Camera
Inside the chat, tap the Camera icon located at the bottom-left. This enables you to take a new photo or video.
If you want to send an existing photo from your gallery, you can also tap the Gallery preview in the bottom-right corner.
Step 5: Capture or select your photo
Take your photo or choose one from your gallery. You can also add text, filters, or drawings if you want to make it more creative.
Step 6: Select “View Once” option
Here’s the most important part:
After taking or selecting your photo, look at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see three options:
- View Once
- Allow Replay
- Keep in Chat
Tap View Once.
Once selected, the “View Once” label becomes highlighted, confirming the image will disappear after being seen.
Step 7: Send the Photo
Tap the Send button. Your photo is now delivered as a View Once message.
How view once looks after you send it
When you send a View Once photo, it appears in the chat as a blurred message with a small one-time view icon. The recipient can tap it to view the image.
After they open it:
- The message will show “Opened” below it.
- The photo will disappear forever.
If they take a screenshot, Instagram usually shows a screenshot notification symbol next to your message (depending on the device and IG version).
Extra Tips for Sending View Once Photos
1. Make sure your App is updated
The View Once feature may not appear if you’re using an outdated Instagram version.
2. Not all Accounts support It
Some business or creator accounts may have limited DM features depending on region and privacy settings.
3. Avoid sending important information
Since the photo disappears permanently, don’t send information you might need later.
4. Instagram can still detect Screenshots
Even though Instagram does not always block screenshots, it alerts you in many cases.
5. Use “Allow Replay” for Semi-Private Content
If you want the recipient to view the photo more than once but not keep it in chat, this is a good middle option.
Conclusion
Instagram’s View Once feature is a powerful privacy tool that gives users more control over the photos and videos they share. Whether you’re sending a casual snap, a funny moment, or something you don’t want permanently saved in chat, this feature makes sharing more secure and fun.
By following the easy steps above, you can confidently send View Once photos anytime you want. As Instagram continues to add more privacy-focused tools, features like this will keep becoming more useful for everyday communication.
If you’re looking to improve your Instagram skills, experiment with all DM options and find the best settings that match your content style and privacy needs.
