What is Instagram Messenger? A Guide to Direct Messaging on Instagram

The sun is hot. Water is wet. Everyone loves Instagram. These are all universal truths. From Stories to Reels and everything in between, Instagram is one of the powerhouses of social media. Every moment, there’s a new video of kids dancing to the latest Chappelle Roan song or acting a fool in the local Target. Meanwhile, your favorite band is showing you peeks behind the scenes, or someone is making a killer omelet. Instagram has everything for everyone. 

But if you live on the dark side of the moon and haven’t explored the social media platform’s capabilities completely, there’s a significant part of Instagram that everyone loves and uses: Instagram DM. Instagram DMs are more than just a messaging tool; they’re a gateway to deeper engagement and stronger relationships with your followers. We assume everyone knows the DM at this point, but if you don’t, this is your crash course. 

Let’s get started.

So, What Are Instagram Direct Messages?

Instagram Direct Messages, or DMs, as basically everyone ever calls them, are your way to engage in private conversations on Instagram.  Whether a one-on-one chat or a lively group discussion, DMs offer a private space for interactions that comments can’t quite provide. The DM is where many people shoot their shot with someone they’ve got a crush on, or they share memes with friends, or a place to comment on someone’s shared story and ask, “Where is this? We need to eat here.” Don’t get it twisted, there is power in an Instagram DM. A message is the primary way for creators of all follower counts to keep up with the people who are viewing their accounts. If you’re aiming to be an influencer, knowing the ins and outs of the Instagram DM is critical to moving from the obscure into the person everyone wants to follow. 

Here’s what makes the IG DM unique:

• Privacy: Unlike comments on posts that everyone can see, DMs are just between you and your recipient(s).
• Flexibility: You can send text messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and even disappearing media that vanish after viewing.
• Group Chats: Create group conversations with up to 32 participants. These are perfect for planning, collaborating, or saying hello to your crew.

How to set up those Instagram DMs

You should have gotten a DM or two if you’ve already got an Instagram account. But if you haven’t, here we go. So, sending a DM to another Instagram user is easy. Click on the messaging icon in the upper right-hand corner of the app, and share that (hopefully not sketchy. Seriously, don’t be weird.) Instagram DM with another Instagram user. A message is your way to say hey to someone, but also connect in a holistic way that connects the ecosystem of the Instagram followers to the Instagram post, to the Instagram influencer. Welcome to the larger part of the social media journey. 

From Your Computer:

• Log in to Instagram: Head to Instagram’s website and log in.
• Navigate to DMs: Click the paper airplane icon in the top right corner.
• Start a Conversation: Click “Send Message,” choose your recipient(s), and type away.

From the Instagram App:

• Open the App: Launch Instagram on your mobile device.
• Tap the Airplane Icon: Located in the top right corner of your feed.
• Select Your Recipient: Choose who you want to message from the list or search for their username.
• Compose Your Message: Type your message, add media, and hit send.

Pro Tip: You can also send a DM directly from someone’s profile by tapping the “Message” button.

Linking your personal Facebook and Instagram accounts

Yep. You can do that. You can link both your Facebook and your Instagram. 

It just takes just a handful of taps on your smartphone. Now, you can message your Facebook friends directly from Instagram. After reading the Instagram messenger web guide, if you run into any snares involving Instagram messaging, the Instagram Help Center can help you troubleshoot. And now you’re connected into a larger world. Feels good doesn’t it?

Linking your Facebook Business page to Instagram

If your business has accounts on both Facebook and Instagram, why not connect your accounts? Your accounts must meet specific criteria, such as requiring your personal Facebook account to be an admin on the business page. Other than that, it’s a painless process that you can learn about in detail on the Instagram Help Center page. If you’re interested in raising engagement for your social media profiles, connecting your Facebook and Instagram is a key move for visibility, but it’s also a no-brainer. 

If you’re a creator who’s trying to show off how you run your landscaping company, put it in an Instagram story, obviously, and don’t forget to share that it’s what you do and how you’re the expert. But, don’t be too salesy. People like honest and engaging content that feels genuine. Just a pro tip. 

What can you do with Instagram direct messaging?

Whether you’re a business, a celebrity, a content creator, an influencer, or a human who just likes using social media, direct messaging on Instagram has a lot to offer. Think of your Instagram account as your personal media channel. Show the world what you’re thinking through your lens. From there, you’ll engage in a way you’ve never thought possible with people from around the world. Check these instances out for an example:

• Send private messages to people, both in groups and one-on-one. Say hi to some of your followers, let them know about new posts, new reels. 
• Send photos and videos to people without posting them on your Instagram page. Be a part of the ecosystem of life! 
• Send messages with pictures and videos that disappear after the recipient views them, à la Snapchat.
• Share hashtags and locations to tell your friends where your favorite #Starbucks is.

Why use Instagram Direct?

Instagram DMs aren’t just about hitting someone up (again, don’t be creepy) — they’re a powerhouse for engagement and relationship-building. Many of the most successful creators out there rely on their inbox as a way to keep up with what’s going on with their followers. (We can help.) So when someone sees an Instagram post they love and leaves a comment, they can get right to you. If you’re a creator on the come up, this is a great way to establish and understand the basics of customer engagement. The social inbox is a powerful piece of getting your content seen. Talk to people, be friendly, and let them know you’re always down for a chat. In the long run, it’ll only help the follower count grow and really, that’s why you’re here, aren’t you?

Here’s why you should be using them:

• Authentic Connection: Unlike public comments, direct messages offer a personal touch and build stronger relationships with your audience.
• Customer Service: Handle inquiries, complaints, and feedback privately and efficiently.
• Exclusive Content: Share special offers, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive updates with your most engaged followers.
• Collaboration: Network with influencers, partners, and collaborators without leaving the app.

Best Practices for Engaging with DMs

• Be Responsive: Quick replies show that you value your followers’ time and engagement. Aim to respond promptly to build trust and loyalty.
• Personalize Your Messages: Try to add a personal touch even when using automation. Use the follower’s name and reference their previous interactions with your brand.
• Stay Consistent: Consistency is critical to maintaining a reliable, professional brand image. Ensure your messaging tone and style align with your voice.

And that’s it. There’s your beginner’s guide to the power of the Instagram DM. Learning the complexities of Instagram marketing is a process, and if you’re new to the world of social media, we’re here to help you navigate how to gain followers and how to manage that social inbox while also making the content your people want to see. Manychat is for the people. 

Instagram users send DMs to businesses over 400 million times every single day, with the most common messages related to product inquiry and customer support. Responding to these messages provide ample opportunities for business growth, increasing sales, and simply building brand loyalty among your customers, as shown in the Instagram messenger web guide. You can even use ManyChat to automate certain aspects of your DM conversations, a tactic that can be immensely beneficial for organic growth and increased engagement.

Sign up for Instagram Automation by ManyChat and start sending automated DMs today!