With over a billion monthly users, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms around. Over the years Instagram has continually made changes making it easier for users to share, discover, and engage with content.
One of the features on the platform that has recently received an update is Instagram direct messaging. Unlike the early days of Instagram, the messaging placement and functionality within the app have improved.
Yet, some of these changes have left some users questioning the best way to use Instagram Direct Messaging. To ensure that you know how to message on Instagram, take a dive into the top 5 things you need to know about messaging on Instagram.
1. How to Send and Receive an Instagram DM
Sending and receiving direct messages on Instagram is simple. Once you are signed into the app, your content feed will automatically load and that is the first thing that will be displayed.
If you want to reach out to a person that you are following you can click on their profile. Then you are going to click on the message button, and you are ready to use the Instagram direct messaging feature.
You are able to do a few different things once you populate a new chat thread. First, you are able to write a message to this person. Next, you have the option to make an audio recording to send by pressing the microphone symbol.
If you want to take a photo and send it you can do this by clicking the camera icon or you can send an image from your camera roll as well. You will have to enable permissions for Instagram to access your microphone and camera.
This is easily done through the settings on your smartphone. One last feature in Instagram direct messaging is the ability to send Stickers, GIFs, and GIPHY to add more personalization to your conversation.
Another important thing to know about Instagram direct messaging is that you can see all your chats in a single view. This is done by clicking the paper airplane icon located in the top-right corner of your feed. There you will find the direct messages that you have received.
2. Sharing a Profile Through Instagram Direct Messaging
Instagram direct messaging has some other notable features such as the ability to share a profile. For example, if you’ve found an Instagram profile that you want to share with your followers, you can send a post from the page directly to their DM.
As an additional option, you can go directly to the profile you want to share tap the ellipsis icon in the top right corner, and select from the options. You can either choose the Copy Profile URL or Share This Profile.
It is important to note that choosing to copy the profile URL allows you to share the link through text messages or another app such as Facebook.
3. Sending an Instagram Post Through Instagram Messaging
Sometimes while scrolling through your feed there might be a post that catches your eye. While a lot of IG accounts have begun using Instagram likes apps for android to increase engagement, having users like you share posts through DMs can be beneficial.
To share posts privately you want to click on the paper airplane icon right next to the chat bubble symbol. After that, a list of your followers that you most frequently direct message will appear.
You are also able to search for anyone that you follow to send the post as an alternative.
4. Un-Sending a Direct Message
We’ve all done it, sent a message that we wish we hadn’t or sent a message that should have gone to someone else. Luckily, one of the features of Instagram direct messaging is the option to unsend a message.
To use this feature, first tap and hold the message you want to unsend. Once you do this you will have the option to copy the message or unsend it. If you select the unsend button the message will disappear from the entire thread.
It is important to note that once the person has read the message it will show seen. So there is a chance that if you catch your mistake quick enough you can retract the message without the other person viewing it.
5. Create a Group Chat in Instagram Direct Messaging
One final thing, you need to know about Instagram direct messaging is being able to create group chats. There’s no better way to interact with friends than finding and sharing a post that you all can enjoy.
You can start a group chat by going to your DMs and clicking on the pencil in a box icon. A list of suggested followers will populate and you will be able to click on the followers you wish to add.
If you are someone who has a large follower count it may be best to use the search option feature. Once your group is created you can easily send a post or profile to everyone in the chat.
Instagram Direct Messaging Is Simple
The best thing about Instagram direct messaging is that anyone can do it. Now that you know all about the features of Instagram Direct Messages it’s time to put your knowledge to good use.
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