If you are an Internet user, it is pretty unlikely that you have not heard people mentioning terms such as Instagram DMs.
You might have an idea about what they are and how they work. In this article, I will talk about how to DM on Instagram.
This will include everything from sending a basic text message to using the most advanced features. I will also go over some safety aspects so you can use this feature without any worries.
Table of Contents
What Is A DM On Instagram?
DM is an abbreviation that stands for direct message. When it comes to its usage on the Internet, it is a message sent privately to someone.
Instagram direct messages are private messages which mean only you and the recipient will be able to read them unless one of you decides to share them.
The main content of direct messages is text, but Instagram has developed some other features as well. You can take pictures and send them directly, or you can pick ones from your gallery.
There is also an option to send a voice message by recording your voice. Instagram also includes a sticker feature that allows you to communicate your feelings and reactions through stickers and gifs.
How Do You DM Someone On Instagram?
To send a direct message, we will open the Instagram app and tap on the logo in the top right corner.
After clicking it, we will enter a space where all our Instagram messages and chats are saved. There will be a search bar, which you can use to find any account you want to message.
After typing the Instagram handle of the person we want to message, we can click on it to start a private chat.
Sending text messages on Instagram
At the bottom of the screen, you will see a message bar. You can tap it, enter any text content you like, and press send.
Sending photos and videos from camera on Instagram
To take a new photo or video and send it instantly, click the blue camera icon in the bottom left corner. It works the same as your regular phone camera, with the addition of many features like filters, Boomerangs, and so on.
After taking the picture, you will be offered multiple options. You can choose to have a photo or video be able to be seen only once and then disappear.
There is an option similar to the one above, with the only exception being an extra replay. You can see the picture two times. After that, it will disappear.
The last option is to have the photo or video stay permanently.
Sending photos and videos from gallery on Instagram
Besides sending fresh videos, direct messaging allows you to send photos and videos from your gallery.
To do this, you can click on the gallery icon located in the middle of three other icons at the bottom left of the screen.
This will open up your gallery and allow you to send any photo or video you like.
Sending posts as DMs on Instagram
Instagram app has a unique feature that allows you to send posts from your feed as direct messages.
To do this, you can tap the paper airplane icon below the post that you want to send as a direct message.
This will open up a new window that will enable you to select one or multiple recipients for the message.
After selecting all the recipients, you can press the blue “done” button at the bottom of the screen.
How Safe Is Instagram Direct Message System?
In today’s world, every dimension of our life is somewhat connected to the social media platforms we use. Therefore, it is really significant to know what we are dealing with and how to keep our data safe.
When it comes to Instagram direct messages, there is no need to worry much. As long as you know how the system works, you will be able to use it comfortably without losing sleep.
As I already mentioned earlier in the article, using direct messaging is a way to relay messages to one individual privately. That means no one except you two will be able to see the messages.
The only thing you should be careful about is who you send your messages to. Because once the message is sent, the recipient can screenshot it or retrieve it using other methods down the line.
The other thing you might be concerned about is the message’s contents. Is there anything that can be sent via Instagram messages that can harm your phone?
The short answer would be no. Instagram does not allow its users to upload anything other than photos and videos via direct messages. And since these are processed before getting to you, the chances of getting infected are near 0%.
The only thing you should be worried about is links. Links sent via Instagram messages are somewhat controlled, but there is always a chance for a link to be malicious.
You should be especially careful when receiving links from unknown accounts and people. Even when getting a link from a familiar person, there is still some risk since their account might be compromised.
All in all, paying a little attention should be enough. After learning what you have just read, you should not have any issues.
How Businesses Utilize Instagram Direct Messages
As you get more familiar with the Instagram ecosystem, you will notice that many businesses are leveraging direct messages to advance their influence.
Knowing how these work will help you interact with these businesses more effortlessly and allow open doors for some benefits.
When following a business, you will often get a direct message seconds after following them. They accomplish this by using custom premade templates that automatically send a message.
There are many kinds of templates. I have already mentioned welcome templates. There are also customer service templates and, most importantly, discount templates.
To activate these templates, you need to simply tap on the rectangular keywords provided in the chat box.
How To DM On Instagram: Conclusion
In this article, I have covered everything you need to know to send DMs on Instagram. You should now be able to comfortably use every functionality and use this tool to its full potential.
I have also covered some safety aspects, which will hopefully be useful in keeping you a little bit safer when using Instagram DMs.
FAQ
How do you DM someone on Instagram without following them?
You can DM anyone on Instagram without following them or having them follow you.
However, if you are not following someone, the messages you send will appear as “message requests”. The recipient can choose to accept the request and engage with you.
How to activate vanishing chat in Instagram app?
To activate vanishing chat in Instagram app, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Once it is active, you can use it just like a regular chat. After you close it, though, all contents will be deleted.
Can people see when you open their DMs on Instagram?
People will be notified when you receive their message, if you read the message from the notification tray, they will not be alerted.
However, as soon as you open the chat and scroll to the bottom, it will be marked as seen for both of you.
