A feature offering ephemeral messaging on the Instagram platform has experienced changes in availability and functionality. This mode allowed users to send text, photos, and videos that disappeared after they were viewed and the chat window was closed.
This type of messaging was intended to provide a more private and temporary communication option. Its initial introduction aimed to enhance user control over their digital footprint, enabling conversations to remain confidential and preventing message retention beyond the immediate exchange. It arrived as a way to compete with other apps offering similar functionality.