How to send a view-once photo in any app
A view-once photo is an image the recipient can open a single time. After that it is gone: no copy in the chat, no file in their gallery. Some messengers have this built in, but most places you share images, like email, SMS, iMessage, Discord and Slack, do not. A view-once link fills that gap.
Which apps already have view once?
| App | Built-in view once? | Works outside the app? |
|---|---|---|
| Yes, "View once" for photos and videos | No | |
| Instagram DMs | Yes, "View once" option for photos | No |
| Snapchat | Yes, snaps disappear after viewing | No |
| Signal | Yes, view-once media | No |
| Telegram | Self-destruct timers in private chats | No |
| iMessage, SMS, email, Discord, Slack, Teams | No | - |
The catch with built-in options is that both people must use the same app. If you need to send something to a coworker over email, a client over Slack, or a friend over iMessage, you need a method that works with a plain link.
Send a view-once photo with OneView
- Open OneView and pick a username. You do not need an email address. Never use your real name.
- Upload the photo or paste a screenshot straight from your clipboard.
- Pick a viewing time. Anything from 5 seconds to an hour, or until the viewer closes the tab.
- Leave screenshot protection on (it is on by default). Optionally add a watermark or hover-to-reveal.
- Copy the link and paste it into any chat, email or text message. You can also show the QR code.
When the recipient opens the link, they see the image for the time you chose. The encrypted file is then deleted from the server. If anyone opens the link again, including the original recipient, nothing is shown.
Tips for sending sensitive photos
- Tell the recipient first. They only get one look, so make sure they are ready before they tap the link.
- Use a short timer for codes and passwords. 10 to 30 seconds is enough to read a code.
- Turn on the watermark for documents. It stamps the viewer's IP address and the time on the image, which discourages leaks.
- Crop out what is not needed. If you are sharing an ID, cover numbers the other person does not need.
- Only send to people you trust. No app or website can stop someone pointing a second phone at their screen.
Unopened links expire
If the recipient never opens the link, it expires automatically 24 hours after you created it. You can also delete it yourself from your dashboard at any time before it is viewed.