Skip to main content

[Update: Rolling out to all users] Instagram enabling DMs on the web, says a priority over iPad app

Instagram has kickstarted the launch of direct messaging on the web today. For now, it’s only a test with a “small percentage” of users but the feature is rolling out globally.


Update 4/10: Direct messaging on the web is rolling out to all users around the world today (via The Verge). Instagram said the rollout began at 10 a.m. ET. To check if you’ve got access with your account, head to Instagram.com and look for the Direct Message icon in the top right corner.

Instagram Direct Message for web


As reported by The Verge, Instagram’s Direct Message UX on the web will be almost identical to iPhone and Android:

The direct messaging experience will be essentially the same through the browser as it is on mobile. You can create new groups or start a chat with someone either from the DM screen or a profile page; you can also double-tap to like a message, share photos from the desktop, and see the total number of unread messages you have. You’ll be able to receive desktop DM notifications if you enable notifications for the entire Instagram site in your browser. Instagram says it’ll “continue to iterate” on this during the test.

The Verge’s Ashley Carman asked Instagram why DMs on the web would come before an iPad app and a spokesperson dodged the question, highlighting that it’s still not a priority for the company.

When asked why Instagram prioritized web DMs over something like an iPad app, a company spokesperson referred The Verge back to its usual justification and said that DMs on the web help its users “stay in touch with the people you care about.”

The move is in line with Facebook’s push to unify it’s messaging services across all of its platforms.

You can check out if you’re part of the small group of users around the globe who has access DMs on the web now. Instagram hasn’t shared when it might roll out the feature to all users.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

OWC Mac Pro memory
You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Michael Potuck Michael Potuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.