Instagram is the famous social network that lets you share photos and videos with your followers. But that's not all: the platform also lets you communicate privately with other users via direct messages. These conversations can be accessed from the paper airplane icon in the top right-hand corner of the home screen. But how do you go about replying to a message on Instagram? What are the steps involved? What features are available?
In this article, we'll explain how to respond correctly and effectively to a message on Instagram, whether from your smartphone or your computer.
If you're interested in other aspects of Instagram, such as a user's subscriptions, you can find out more at how to see someone's latest followers on instagram.
How do you reply to an Insta message from your smartphone?
From your smartphone, here's how to reply to a message on Instagram: first open the application, then log in. Then, simply press the paper airplane icon at the top right of your home screen. You'll be presented with a list of your private conversations with other users. To open a conversation, simply click on it. You'll then see all the messages you've exchanged with your interlocutor.
There are, however, two possible options:
Option 1
Touch and hold the message you wish to reply to, then drag it to the right until an arrow appears. The message will then be attached to the top of the text entry area. Finally, all that's left to do is to type the text you wish to reply to and send it, pressing "Send" of course.
Option 2
It's more or less the same process: keep your finger on the message you wish to reply to, but then select the "Reply" option from those displayed. The message will also be attached just above the text entry area. Finally, all you have to do is type the text you wish to reply to and send it, by pressing "Send" of course.
How do I reply to an Insta message from my computer?
To reply to an Insta message, if you're logged in on your PC, click on the little paper airplane icon located on the top right-hand side of your screen. You'll then have access to a list of your private conversations with other users. To get into a particular conversation, simply click on it, and you'll get an overview of the messages exchanged with your interlocutor.
The following two methods can be used to reply to a message on a PC:
Method 1
Start by clicking on the three-dot button next to the message you wish to reply to, then select the "Reply" option. Your message will then be attached to the top of the text entry area. All that's left is to type the text you wish to reply to and send it, of course, by pressing "Send".
Method 2
Click directly on the text entry box and type what you wish to send as a reply. However, this method does not allow you to attach the message to which you are replying, which can be confusing if the conversation is long or if several messages follow one another.
What features are available for Insta messages?
The MP on Insta are not limited to text. You can also send photos, videos, GIFs, stickers, emojis, polls, questions, countdowns, quizzes, music stickers and reactions. You also have the option of replying to your interlocutor with voice and video PMs and creating an Instagram conversation group. Zoom in:
Photos and videos
You can take a photo or record a video with your device, or select existing media from your gallery. Adding filters, stickers, text or drawings to your photos or videos before sending them is another fun option.
GIFs
Sending animated GIFs in line with a particular situation allows you to express your emotions more clearly or make the other person laugh.
Stickers
You can send stickers to decorate your messages or react to those of your interlocutor. You can choose from the stickers offered by Instagram or download personalized stickers.
Emojis
You can send emojis to illustrate your messages or react to those of your interlocutor. You can choose from the emojis offered by Instagram or use those on your keyboard.
Polls
You can create and send surveys to ask for your interlocutor's opinion on a subject. You can choose between two options, or create your own. You'll then see the results in real time.
The questions
You can create and send questions to invite your interlocutor to answer you. You can choose between open and closed questions. You'll then see the answers in real time.
Countdowns
You can create and send countdowns to announce an event or remind someone of something. You can choose the date and time of the countdown, as well as its name and color. You'll then see the time remaining before the countdown.
Quizzes
You can create and send quizzes to test your interlocutor's knowledge of a subject. You can choose the question, the answer options and the correct answer. You'll then see whether your interlocutor has found the right answer or not.
Musical stickers
You can search for and send song extracts to accompany your messages, or introduce your interlocutor to music. You can choose from the songs suggested by Instagram, or search for a song by name or artist.
Feedback
You can long-press a received message and choose an emoji to react to it. The emoji will appear below the message, and the other person will see it.
To access these features, simply press or click on the "+" button next to the text entry box. You'll then see a menu with different options. Choose the one that suits you best and follow the on-screen instructions to send your message.
Voice or video calls
Messages on Instagram also let you make voice or video calls with your contacts. To do so, simply press or click the phone or camera button at the top right of the conversation. You'll then be able to talk to or see your conversation partner in real time.
Group conversation
Instagram messages let you create groups of up to 32 people. To do this, simply tap or click on the "New Group" button at the top left of the conversation list. You can then choose the people you want to add to the group and give them a name. You can then exchange messages with all group members.
Can't reply to a specific message on Instagram?
If you've been having trouble replying to a particular message on Instagram despite several attempts, here's a solution that might come in handy. To be able to reply to messages, you need to have the latest version of your Instagram app. Otherwise, you won't be able to access this feature. To resolve this, please update your app by accessing the Play Store. Search for Insta and update.
Replying to an Instagram post within a group: how does it work?
In a group on Instagram, you must first open the conversation in question before replying to any message. Locate the message you want to reply to, then long-press it and drag it to the right until an arrow icon appears. You'll see the message you've selected pinned just above the text box. There, all you have to do is type in your reply and send it immediately.
Instagram can be used on various mobile devices such as iOS and Android, as well as Windows Phone and PCs with limited functionality. To respond specifically to messages, follow all these instructions, staying of course under a stable internet connection.
Whether it's about messages or posts, you might be interested to know how to hack an Insta accountfor personal or professional reasons.
