Abstract: A method implemented at a network entity during an instant messaging communication session conducted between a plurality of user terminals over a communications network, the method comprising: receiving a request over the communications network from one of said user terminals, the request comprising a uniform resource indicator that has been exchanged in an instant message during the instant messaging communication session; retrieving media content associated with the uniform resource indicator from a further network entity connected to said network; storing the retrieved media content in a data store connected to said network; and transmitting a response to said user terminal, the response comprising one of (i) at least one identifier of a location in the data store where the retrieved media content was stored; and (ii) the retrieved media content.