Instagram’s direct messages have an incognito switch now. If you’re confused, I’m talking about the newly introduced vanishing mode feature for Instagram. Gone are the times when you had to say something spontaneously only to use the unsend message option in order to delete it later. Now you can use the vanish mode to share weird messages with friends and get back to normal chat in an instant. But Is it really worth it? Let’s find out.
How to Find Vanish Mode on Instagram
You do not have to do anything extra to enable Instagram vanish mode. But you must make sure that the app is up-to-date. If not, go to the Instagram page on Google Play Store or App Store and update if need be. Then open Instagram and go to the chat you want to use Instagram vanish mode on.
Once you open the chat, you’ll see a vanish mode prompt at the bottom of the chatbox if you’re opening it for the first time. If you do not see it, all you have to do is swipe up until you see the vanish mode prompt circle. Yes, you might have to swipe-up quite a bit.
Messages in vanish mode disappear when the sender exits the chat or they’re seen by the recipient
When you’re done and wish to exit vanish mode, swipe-up again or tap on the turn-off vanish mode option at the top of the chat. That’s it!
Why Use Vanish Mode?
Firstly, you enter a different chat dimension altogether. As I said, consider it just like incognito mode. So, once you exit the vanish mode, none of the chat or its content is saved. Here are other benefits that might come in handy while using the vanish mode.
- Can only be enabled with people you’re connected with
- Opt-in option, so you can decline vanish mode request
- Notification when someone takes a screenshot (didn’t work for me though)
- Option to block and report a user
Note: If you do not see the option to enter vanish mode even after the app is updated, chances are it’s not available in your country yet. Also, the feature currently doesn’t work on Facebook Messenger but soon should.
Closing Remarks: Using Vanish Mode on Instagram
Vanish mode is super easy to use and doesn’t need any extra installation or change in settings to work. The least you have to do is update the app and you’re good to go. I hope this feature works well for you provided you have tons of photos and text to share that you wouldn’t want to say in a normal chat.
Also Read: INSSIST Chrome Extension: Upload Videos to Instagram from Chrome Browser