What is NGL?

NGL represents the latest addition to a long line of anonymous messaging platforms, following in the footsteps of Formspring and YikYak. If you recall using Tumblr, you might remember the feature that allowed users to send anonymous messages to one another, which often led to chaos. Unfortunately, the anonymity these apps provide can sometimes facilitate negative behaviors like bullying and harassment.

While NGL may seem new, it has emerged on Instagram following Snapchat's crackdown on similar apps, Yolo and LMK, after a tragic incident involving a young individual who faced anonymous harassment. The trend of anonymous messaging has simply shifted from Snapchat to Instagram.

How to Use NGL

Using NGL is quite straightforward. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms. After installation, you simply connect it to your Instagram account. The app will then create a unique URL that you can share in your Instagram story, a feature made possible when Instagram allowed all users to include links in their stories last fall. To simplify this process, NGL offers a visual template for you to use. Anyone who views your story or receives your link can send you anonymous messages without needing to download the app.

How Private is NGL?

To reply to a message, you must repost it in your story so that your followers can see it. This functions similarly to Instagram’s “Questions” feature, where users can respond to prompts. However, with NGL, the identity of the sender remains completely anonymous, unlike the native questions feature which allows the original poster to see who replied.

You can customize the prompt that appears when someone clicks your link, but it’s limited to prewritten options, such as “send me anonymous messages!” or “send a name for a rate.” If those phrases don't resonate with you, you might be out of touch. Other popular prompts include “truth or dare, I’ll do it deadass” and “flood my email if you’re a genuine one,” often accompanied by a playful water-droplet emoji.

What Kind of Questions are Asked on NGL?

When I tried NGL last week, I realized I might be past the age where seeking anonymous feedback online is appropriate, if it ever was. Nevertheless, I proceeded and set my prompt to “submit a name for a rate.” Thankfully, my followers took it lightly. However, they quickly encouraged me to “create an OnlyFans account” and asked numerous personal questions.

In response, I reposted my link, urging them to keep it respectful. I offered advice or support instead. Soon after, I received a mix of sincere compliments and vague requests for help. I decided to answer one question, partially for humor, even though it felt awkward to engage in something so personal. Meanwhile, my friends were sharing their messages, which I eagerly read.

When you respond to a message by sharing it, a green checkmark appears in your app inbox. Unread messages are marked differently, making it easy to track whether you’ve overlooked any.

Should You Download NGL?

The potential downsides may outweigh the benefits. There’s a risk of abuse (although I tested the filters by sending an inappropriate message to a friend, who claimed she never received it) and the possibility of embarrassment. To be clear, asking for anonymous feedback can be demeaning, even on a fresh platform.

Nonetheless, it can be entertaining. Reading the kind words from people was enjoyable. It was amusing to see how many users engaged with it similarly to how we did with earlier versions in college, dropping hints about their identities or acting as low-key provocateurs. (If you’re eager to discover who sent you a message, you can pay $9.99 for a “pro” membership that provides “hints” about the sender's device type or location.)

While Instagram’s questions feature reveals usernames, NGL might be a better tool for gathering opinions on sensitive topics, potentially leading to more honest responses. Additionally, NGL allows for longer messages than the Q&A box.