Instagram’s direct messaging feature offers a unique way to share photos and videos privately with your friends. However, Instagram provides several options when sending these media files, and understanding how to view disappearing photos on Instagram again can be a bit tricky.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of Instagram’s disappearing media and show you some clever methods to recover those moments, whether they were sent as a ‘View once’ or ‘Allow replay.’
Are you ready? Let’s dive in then!
Understanding the Disappearing Photo Options
Before we delve into the methods, let’s break down the disappearing photo options Instagram offers:
1. View once: As the name suggests, this option allows the recipient to view the photo or video only once. After that initial viewing, the media file disappears from their chat.
2. Allow replay: ‘Allow Replay’ gives the recipient a bit more leeway, allowing them to view the photo or video twice before it vanishes from their chat.
3. Keep in chat: If the sender chooses ‘Keep in Chat,’ the photo or video remains in the chat indefinitely, making it easily accessible whenever you need it.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s explore how to retrieve those disappearing photos and videos.
Also read: Understanding the Vanishing Instagram DMs
How to View Disappearing Photos on Instagram Again?
There are only a few ways to keep these disappearing media:
1. Screenshot Method
The most straightforward way to keep a ‘View once’ photo is by taking a screenshot before the recipient opens it. However, there’s a catch—Instagram notifies the sender when you take a screenshot. So, if you don’t mind the sender knowing, simply take your screenshot.
2. Screen Recording for Videos & Photos
If you’re dealing with a ‘View once’ or ‘Allow replay’ video or photo and you’d like to keep it without triggering a notification, you can use a screen recorder. By recording the video using a screen recording app or feature on your device, you can then play it back whenever you want without the sender being alerted. This method allows you to enjoy the video multiple times at your convenience.
3. Check Your Chat
If the sender has chosen the ‘Allow Replay’ option, you’re in luck. The photo or video will remain in your chat, giving you easy access to view it only once again.
Also read: Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot?
Keeping Photos and Videos Sent via Gallery
Not all photos and videos on Instagram DM have disappearing options. If you select a photo or video from your device’s gallery and send it directly (without using the blue camera icon), they can view it as long as they keep the DM chat.
Also read: If I delete a chat on Instagram will they know?
The advantage? Taking a screenshot won’t send a notification to the sender in this case.
Viewing Disappearing Media on a Computer
While Instagram provides these disappearing media options on mobile devices, there’s no direct way to access them on the computer. However, you can employ alternative methods for viewing such media on a computer, such as using an Android emulator or other screen mirroring tools.
Last Words
In conclusion, Instagram’s disappearing photo options add a layer of privacy and novelty to sharing moments with friends. Knowing how to view disappearing photos and videos again can enhance your Instagram DM experience.
Whether you’re taking advantage of ‘View Once’ or ‘Allow Replay,’ or simply sending media from your gallery, these tips will help you make the most out of Instagram’s features.
Stay tuned for more Instagram tips and tricks, and continue enjoying those fleeting moments on the platform.
FAQs
Now that you know how to view a photo on Instagram DM again, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions.
1. How to Send Disappearing Photos?
To send disappearing photos on Instagram:
1. Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.
2. Go to Direct Messages: Tap the DM icon located in the top-right corner of your home feed to access your direct messages (DMs).
3. Select a Contact: Choose the recipient for your disappearing photo by selecting an existing conversation or starting a new one.
4. Capture a Photo or Choose a Photo from Gallery: In the chat, tap the blue camera icon at the bottom of the chat box to take a photo in real-time or choose a photo from the gallery (again using the blue icon).
5. Choose Disappearing Option: Before sending, you’ll see three options at the bottom of the screen:
- View Once: The recipient can view the photo only once before it disappears.
- Allow Replay: The recipient can view the photo twice.
- Keep in Chat: The photo will stay in the chat and not disappear.
6. Add Text or Effects (Optional): You can add text, stickers, drawings, or other creative elements to your photo if desired.
7. Send: Once you’ve chosen your disappearing option and customized your photo (if needed), tap the “Send” button to share the disappearing photo with your chosen recipient.
That’s it! The recipient will receive the disappearing photo, and its visibility will depend on the option you selected (View once, Allow replay, or Keep in chat).
2. How Many Times Can You Replay a Disappearing Photo or Video on Instagram?
On Instagram, there are three options for viewing disappearing photos or videos:
- View Once: Once.
- Allow Replay: Twice.
- Keep in Chat: Indefinitely, as long as the chat history is retained.
3. Do Instagram DMs Expire?
Instagram direct messages (DMs) with disappearing photos and videos can expire if they are sent with the “View once” or “Allow replay” options. These options make the media files temporary, and they will disappear after the specified number of views (once or twice) or after a certain time period if not replayed.
However, if the sender chooses the “Keep in Chat” option, the DMs and the media files within them will not expire and will remain accessible in the chat as long as the chat history is retained.
4. How to See a Bomb Photo on Instagram Again?
To view a disappearing photo (often referred to as a “bomb photo”) on Instagram again:
- For ‘View once’ and ‘Allow replay’ photos, take a screenshot or start screen recording to save it.
- For ‘View once’ and ‘Allow replay’ videos, use screen recording to capture and replay.
5. Why Do Photos Disappear from Instagram Messages?
Photos disappear from Instagram messages based on the sender’s choice of sending options. These options include ‘View Once,’ ‘Allow Replay,’ and ‘Keep in Chat,’ which determine how long the photo remains visible to the recipient.
6. How to See Expired Photos on Instagram DM?
To view expired photos on Instagram DM, there is no direct way to do so unless you’ve taken a screenshot or screen-recorded the photo while it was still accessible.
Instagram’s disappearing photos are designed to be temporary, and once they expire, they cannot be retrieved through the platform itself.
7. Can You Save a Disappearing Video on Instagram?
When someone sends you a disappearing video, you can use a screen recording app or feature on your device to record the video while it’s playing in the chat. This way, you can save the video on your device without notifying the sender.
