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Instagram DMs are one of the most popular ways to share photos, videos, and messages with friends privately. However, many users often wonder: Can you rewatch a video sent in Instagram DMs? The answer isn't always straightforward because it depends on the type of video shared. In this guide, we’ll break down how you can watch a video again, what types of videos you might encounter, and other common questions around Instagram's video replay features.
When sending videos via Instagram DMs, you have several options, each with different replay rules:
Disappearing Videos (View Once): These can only be watched once. As soon as you exit the video, it disappears and can't be replayed.
Allow Replay: When you choose this option while sending a video, the recipient can watch it twice before it disappears.
Keep in Chat: This option sends the video as a regular message that stays in the chat permanently. It can be replayed any time.
Understanding these options helps you control how your content is viewed.
Instagram introduced disappearing messages and limited replays to increase privacy and spontaneity between users. This feature encourages more casual and temporary sharing, similar to Snapchat. Limiting replays ensures that certain moments remain fleeting, adding an extra layer of privacy to the conversation.
If a video was sent with the "Allow Replay" option, you can watch it twice. After the first view, you’ll usually see a "Watch Again" button. Once you view it the second time, it will disappear.
For videos sent with the "Keep in Chat" option, simply scroll back through the conversation and tap the video to replay it as many times as you'd like.
Unfortunately, if the sender chose "View Once," there’s no official way to replay it. If you missed it, you’ll need to ask the sender to resend the video.
When sending a photo or video via Instagram DM, you’ll be prompted with three options:
View Once
Allow Replay
Keep in Chat
To prevent replays entirely, select "View Once" before sending. This ensures that the recipient can only view the content a single time.
Instagram does not notify the sender if you replay a video that was sent with the "Allow Replay" option. However, if you take a screenshot of a disappearing video or photo, the sender will be notified.
For videos sent as "Keep in Chat," you can replay them unlimited times directly within the conversation. There is no time limit or expiry unless the sender deletes the video manually.
For disappearing messages or videos sent with "Allow Replay," once the limit is reached, there is no native option to rewatch. Some users try to screen record during the first view, but be aware that this might violate privacy expectations.
No, disappearing photos and videos sent as "View Once" cannot be retrieved once you exit the chat. They are permanently gone unless the sender resends them.
Yes, Instagram will notify you if someone takes a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video sent via DM.
No, the "Allow Replay" option is selected by the sender each time they send a photo or video. It’s not a default setting that can be made permanent.
Messages sent while in Vanish Mode disappear once the chat is closed. Once vanish mode is off, previous vanished messages cannot be recovered.
With these tips, you can better navigate Instagram's DM video features and know your options for watching and rewatching shared videos.
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