How to Send an Instagram DM
Direct messaging is one of the Instagram features available on both the web and the app. These instructions show you how to DM via the app only. Screenshots provided are for the iOS version, but the steps for the Android version are nearly identical.
Doing More With Instagram DMs
Instagram DMs are deeply integrated with many Instagram features, allowing you to take advantage of the messaging platform in more than just the most basic ways.
Group Messages
To start a group chat, tap the New Message (pen and paper) icon, search for or tap the people you want to include, then tap Chat. Type your message, add photos, emojis, or GIFs if you like, and tap Send. To name or rename a group chat, tap the chat, then tap the current group name or participant list at the top. Next to Group Name, add a name or rename the chat. To add or remove chat members, tap the conversation, then tap the chat name or participant list at the top. Tap Add People to add more users to the chat. To remove a member, tap the three dots next to their name, then tap Remove From Group. To leave a group chat, tap the conversation, then tap the chat name or participant list at the top. Scroll down and tap Leave Chat. If you’re the creator, tap End Chat to remove everyone, including yourself, from the group and end the chat.
Send Photos and Videos in a Chat
To send a photo or video that’s already on your camera roll, tap a current conversation or group chat, then tap the photo icon in the message box. Select the photo or video you want to send, then tap Send. To send a photo or video directly from Instagram, tap a current conversation or group chat, then tap the Camera icon in the message box. Take a photo or video, and tap Send. You can also take a Boomerang and send it. To send a photo or video that disappears, similar to Snapchat, tap a current conversation or group chat, then tap the Camera icon in the message box. Take the photo or video, then tap View Once from the options. Tap Send. Alternatively, tap Allow Replay to allow the recipient to see the photo or video again, or tap Keep in Chat to let the photo or video remain in the chat.
Video Chat via DM
Tap the video camera icon in the top right of a DM conversation to instantly video call the user or group through Instagram.
DM Someone From Their Profile
Tap Message on anyone’s profile to instantly start a new DM conversation with them.
Send Photo and Video Posts in a DM
Tap the Share icon (paper airplane) beneath any photo or video, then select the users you want to share the post with. Tap Send.
Send Reels in a DM
When viewing a Reel, tap the Share icon on the right of the screen. Search and select the users you want, then hit Send to send them the Reel.
Send Stories in a DM
Before posting a story, tap Send To > in the bottom right and then tap Send beside one or multiple users to send it to them as a direct message.
DM Replies to Stories You View
When viewing other people’s stories, tap inside the message field at the bottom of the screen to type something, then tap Send. Alternatively, tap the smiley face to send an instant-reaction emoji, such as a heart or clapping hands.
