9 Biggest Instagram Accidents (and How to Play Them Off)

Mistakes happen. But no mistake is more embarrassing than one that's exposed on social media.

The good news is, we've experienced just about every awkward mishap and lived to tell the tale. So we thought we'd offer up some guidance on how to play off the biggest Instagram accidents of them all.

Keep scrolling to read our tips!

1. Liking Someone's Photo From 34 Weeks Ago

Whether we're stalking our crush or our ex's new S.O., we've all tried our best to be as a careful as possible. But not matter how cautious one is, there's always the potential for the finger to slip and you to like a photo from weeks, even years, ago. Just breathe. You can quickly unlike it, which allegedly means you won't show up in their notifications. We can't confirm this to be true, so we suggest just letting it be. It's super embarrassing, but there's really no use in crying over spilt milk.

 

2. Watching Someone You Don't Follow's Story

While liking someone's photo accidentally is pretty easy, so is watching their story. It doesn't happen as often, but when it does, it's exceptionally mortifying. Unfortunately, there's really nothing you can do to remove yourself from the list of viewers. Again, don't worry about it. It happens to the best of us, so just let it go.

(Pretty Little Liars via Freeform)

 

3. Accidentally Unfollowing Someone

It's somewhat difficult to unfollow someone, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Chances are, you won't notice it until the person asks you about it. When they do, mention you didn't know you unfollowed them and follow them back immediately. They'll likely think you did it because you don't like them, but make sure they know you really didn't have a clue. Your genuineness will save you for sure.

 

4. Ignoring Someone's Follow Request

If your account is private, keeping up with follow requests can be annoying. Heck, even if your account isn't private, it's always weird to see the people who follow you and then scroll through their profile to decide if you should follow them back. Obviously, some cases are more clear cut. But if you don't recognize someone and ignore their follow request, only to realize they're someone from school or a friend of a friend, it's a bit embarrassing. Again, they'll likely confront you about it. So when they do, just accept it. And if you really don't want to, don't. It's just Instagram. It's really not that serious.

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

5. Tagging the Wrong Person in a Picture

Tagging the wrong person in a picture is high key embarrassing, especially depending on who it is. If you tag a random person, it's fine. They'll just be confused, but likely realize it was a mistake. But if you tag a crush or an ex, fix your mistake as quick as possible. They'll also be confused and might reach out to you. If they do, just ignore them or mention that you did it accidentally.

 

6. Posting a Picture That Wasn't Meant to Be Shared

This scenario is just about everyone's worst nightmare. Rarely does it ever happen, but when it does, it's one of the most humiliating things ever—especially depending on what was posted. Hopefully, you'll notice it ASAP and take it down before anyone else sees it. And if that doesn't happen, fingers crossed one of your besties does and tells you right away. So what do you do after that? You could always post a pic explaining what went down, or you could act like nothing ever happened. It really depends on what went up and who you are. When in doubt, go with your gut.

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

7. Messaging Someone With the Picture They Posted and an Embarrassing Comment

Of all the scenarios on this list, this one is by far the most humiliating. You see a cute selfie your crush posted and send it to them rather than your bestie, or you send someone you don't like's post with a rude comment to them. However it goes down, it's not a fun thing to deal with. Best case scenario, they ignore it and don't say anything. If they respond, delete your account, change your name and move across the country to start a new life. Just kidding, kind of. As hard as it is to do, you need to own up to your mistake. Eventually, the dust will settle. It may just take some time.

 

8. Cutting Someone Out of a Photo

Sometimes you're just so obsessed with how you look in a pic that you need to crop everyone else out. As the cropper, you know the true reasoning behind your actions. But the one being cropped out can only speculate as to why they were removed from the pic. When they ask you about it, which they will, just be honest. And if you really didn't want them in the pic, don't be afraid to say it. It's your IG feed after all.

(Pretty Little Liars via Freeform)

 

9. Commenting Something You Meant to Text on a Photo

This kind of goes along the lines of the above example. You see a post, mean to text it to your bestie, but then actually comment what you meant to text instead. Chances are you won't notice it until the person who posted the pic replies. When they question it, apologize. If you're lucky, you can delete the comment before it's noticed.

 

Need some pointers for how to get your crush's attention on Instagram? HERE's the right way to flirt with them over IG.