Instagram's new Instants feature lets users share disappearing photos directly through DMs with a single tap. While the feature is designed for quick and casual photo sharing, many users have accidentally sent photos because there is no review or confirmation step before sending.

If you find Instants distracting or want to avoid accidental photo sharing, Instagram allows you to hide the feature from your inbox.

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Why are users keeping Instants hidden?

Many users have reported confusion with the feature because tapping the shutter button immediately sends a disappearing photo to their selected audience. By default, Instants is often set to Friends, increasing the risk of accidental sharing.

Although Instagram provides options to undo sent photos and hide Instants, some users prefer to disable the feature altogether to avoid unintended sends.

Instants is part of Instagram's push toward more spontaneous and private sharing, similar to Snapchat, with photos disappearing after they are viewed.

Follow these steps to hide Instants:

  • Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
  • Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-right corner.
  • Scroll down and select "Content Preferences" under the "What you see" section.
  • Find the Hide Instants in inbox option.
  • Toggle the setting on.
  • Once enabled, Instants will no longer appear in your Instagram DM inbox.

Steps to undo or unsend an instant:

  • Instagram offers an "Undo" option right after sending an Instant.
  • Before anyone sees the picture, users can swiftly retract it by tapping it.
  • Users can also remove an ‘Instant’ by opening the archive section from the camera screen. For those who haven't opened the photo yet, this will unsend it.