Instagram is finally testing a feature that allows users to disable the “seen” message in direct messages (DMs), similar to the read receipts option in messaging apps.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the beta version of this feature through their Broadcast channels on the app.
Mosseri stated,

We heard your feedback and have started testing
a new feature that lets you turn read receipts off in your DMs.
Soon, people will be able to choose when to let
others see when they’ve read their messages.”
He also demonstrated how users can navigate to the “Who can see your activity” section under settings to toggle off the read receipts.
It’s important to note that vanish messages, which are designed to disappear after being viewed, will always display read receipts regardless of the user’s settings.