Q&A for How to Direct Message on Instagram

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Question

Can I delete photos sent via direct message?

Community Answer

Yes, you can "unsend" any content that you don't want the receiver to see anymore. This includes photos and text.

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Question

Can they receive my DM, even if they don't follow me?

Community Answer

Yes. They will get a message request and they can still read it before they accept your request.

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Question

Do I have to send a picture in order for someone to read a message?

Community Answer

No, you may direct message someone on Instagram without sending them a picture.

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Question

What if the message icon is not there?

Community Answer

Go to where you would go normally post a picture. Add a random picture, and then change from "followers" to "direct". Another way is to go to the person whom you are trying to contact, then when you are on their page, press on the icon with three white dots; it's located at the top right.

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Question

How do I know if the person that I send a message to has read it?

Community Answer

You should see a small eye in the corner. The eye should be blue and have the person you sent the message to's username.

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Question

How do we share photos from Instagram accounts to others as Instagram direct?

Community Answer

There is an arrow beside the comment icon. After pressing it, you will be able to choose an account(s) that you want to send the picture to.

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Question

Why isn't it possible to direct message people without having to upload something?

Community Answer

You no longer have to do this; you can simply direct message them with text.

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Question

What do I do if people say the have sent me direct messages, but I haven't received anything?

Community Answer

Make sure that they haven't posted it on their feed and actually sent it to the right person. Otherwise, ask them to resend it.

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Question

Can I say something to a specific person in a group chat without others seeing?

Community Answer

To send a message to a specific person without others seeing it, send a DM (Direct Message) only to them, outside of the group chat.

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Question

How do I do a DM on an iPad?

GamerGirl 101244

Community Answer

Open the Instagram app in your iPad. In the top-right corner when you open the app, there should be a sideways A with a line through it. If you click that, you can start DMing by picking the '+' sign in the top right-hand corner to choose whom to start talking with.

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Question

Do direct messages disappear after some time?

Community Answer

No, they do not disappear after a period of time.

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Question

How do I DM without sending a pic or video, just a message?

Community Answer

Click the DM box in the upper right corner, then the "+" symbol and select the second option, "Send Message."

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Question

Can the people who are on the list of recipients see who else is on the list?

Community Answer

Yes. There is a row of three dots; click on it, and you can see who is in the DM.

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Question

Am I able to attach a photo from my library to a reply?

Community Answer

Yes. Click the camera icon in the DM, and you allow Instagram to access your photo library so you can choose a photo.

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Question

What happens if I send myself a message?

Community Answer

It will show up as a message that has been sent to yourself.

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Question

How do I turn off direct messaging?

Community Answer

There isn't a way to turn off direct messaging. However, you can block a user you don't want to receive Direct Messages from to avoid contact from them.

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Question

Can you get into trouble for sending too many DMs on Instagram?

Community Answer

You would only get into trouble if the messages contain hateful, spam, or inappropriate content. You can report a direct message.

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Question

How can I send a message to Ariana Grande?

Community Answer

Like any other person with a public profile, you can send her a message. You can search for her username (which is just "arianagrande" with no periods or spaces) and send her a message within there. You can also send her a direct message by clicking the "Message" button on her profile, but only if you're following her. Keep in mind that as a high-profile celebrity, it's extremely unlikely for her to post a message back.

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Question

Is sending product links banned?

Community Answer

Yes. Advertising spam is not allowed on Instagram. If someone creates an account to only spam links for a product, they can get suspended.

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Question

Why did it say I can't send a comment?

Community Answer

It's probably a glitch within the site, or the user blocked/restricted when you were in the middle of typing the comment. if a user blocks you and you refresh, it will say you cannot do it.

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Question

Can I send a direct message containing a photo and text?

Community Answer

No. You can send a message with text, or with a photo, but only one at a time. You cannot send a message with both text and an image, you have to post them individually.

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Question

How was a third party able to read a private message I sent to one person?

Community Answer

Either you were hacked or the person sent the message to more than one person.

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