Send truly private messages that appear as normal Instagram DMs
Instagram is removing end-to-end encryption from DMs in May 2026, stripping users of private, unreadable messaging and exposing conversations to platform scanning and government access.
ShieldDM lets users compose messages in an encrypted interface that are then sent through Instagram as normal DMs but with an additional encryption layer only the recipient can decrypt using a shared key. The recipient opens the message in ShieldDM for full decryption.
Privacy-conscious Instagram users who discuss sensitive topics via DMs, including activists, journalists, and everyday users concerned about data access by Meta or governments
Steganographic approach that hides encrypted content inside normal-looking Instagram messages
edgy
Write messages that get encrypted before being posted as IG DM
Secure key exchange between sender and receiver
Open received IG DMs inside ShieldDM for decryption
Set automatic deletion timers for sensitive messages
Display fake innocuous text in Instagram while hiding real content
Encrypted backup of shared keys
Verify recipient identity via QR code
Send same encrypted message to multiple contacts
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| ig_username | text | No |
| public_key | text | No |
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| participant_a | uuid | No |
| participant_b | uuid | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| conversation_id | uuid | No |
| ciphertext | text | No |
Relationships:
/api/send-encryptedEncrypt and send message via Instagram
/api/decryptDecrypt incoming message
10 messages
Unlimited
Unlimited
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 95 | 9% | $214 | $2,568 |
| Month 6 | 720 | 14% | $2,520 | $30,240 |
Send encrypted messages that look normal but only your contact can read
DM 30 journalists on Twitter who cover surveillance, post technical demo in r/netsec, and offer lifetime discount to first 15 users from privacy-focused Mastodon instances.
Enterprise security
No Instagram integration
Works inside existing Instagram workflow
Unique steganography technique and growing user base of high-value contacts
Public backlash to Meta's encryption removal creates immediate demand for workaround tools
Meta may block accounts using the tool
Clear user warnings and rate limiting
Success: 60% say they would try it
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