Do you remember a world where you couldn’t slide into someone’s DM’s? Well, it existed for a brief period of time. All you could do was comment on a post and hope you received a reply. There was no way to message another user directly on the platform until 2013 when Instagram released Direct Messages.
This opened up a whole world of communication for users. Now you could message your friends, family and favorite creators. We’re going to go over what Instagram DM’s are and how to DM on Instagram.
What is an Instagram DM?
According to the Instagram website, Instagram DMs are an in-app messaging feature for sharing text, photos and other content privately with another user. It works like text messaging, but within the Instagram platform itself. If you’re using Instagram in 2024, you have likely sent a DM to someone.
Users can also add several people to a group message thread. It can come in handy if you’re in another country and can’t text between service providers, or between iPhone and Android devices. Direct messaging through Instagram also gives you the opportunity to communicate with people who you may not have a phone number or email address for.
How to Send an Instagram DM
While sending an Instagram DM is pretty straightforward, there are several things to consider from privacy to messaging etiquette.
How to Access Instagram DMs
- Open the Instagram App on your device
- Click on the Messenger Icon at the top right corner of the page
- You’ll open the Direct Message page to find all of your previous conversations and the option to start a new one
Starting a New Instagram DM
- From the Instagram DM Page, click on the icon at the top right
- This icon can vary depending on device
- Type in the username of who you’d like to message in the search bar at the top of the page
- Click on the user and start your message
How to Send an Instagram DM
- From the chat window, you’ll type in your message, which can include:
- Text
- Emojis
- Stickers
- Photos
- Videos
- Instagram Stories
- Instagram Reels
- Once you’ve completed your message, hit the send button
How to Create a Group Instagram DM
- To start a group DM, follow the same steps for an individual message
- Add users by typing their names into the user field
- Once they are added, the chat thread will work just like a group text message
Instagram DM Privacy Settings
One of the issues users find with Instagram DMs is that anyone can message them. The good news is that you can choose privacy settings that give you control over who can message you. You can set it so only followers can message you, and even turn off messaging from your Instagram Stories.
- Go to your Profile Page
- Select the Menu Button
- Click on Privacy
- Click on Messages
- Choose your Instagram DM settings
Instagram DM Message Requests
Messages coming from users that you don’t follow will show up in the Message Requests folder. You will see a notification for them at the top right of your Instagram DM page. You can either accept or decline the message.
Final Thoughts
Instagram DMs are a fantastic way to stay in touch with friends and family through the platform. Remember to be aware of how you’re messaging people who don’t know you, and practice proper etiquette!
