Instagram website finally gets Direct Messages and post sharing support

Today, Instagram has finally rolled out ‘Direct Message’ feature for its website. Now users can send messages directly from the web version of the app. Users can start a conversation by sending and receiving texts and emojis, sharing posts, memes and accounts with friends and family from their desktops, laptops or even tablets like the iPad. Users with smartphones other than iPhone or non-Android devices can access Instagram via mobile web and start private messages. Previously, it was a mobile app only feature for iPhone and Android.

To use Instagram Direct Messages in your browser, log in to your account and on the top right corner of the screen, you will see an ‘arrow icon’ for direct messages. Tap on the icon to open the messages section. Just like the mobile version, the feature works the same in the website too. On the left side of the screen is the list of all your chats, tap on any contact to open it on the right side of the screen. The direct message icon stays on the task bar in your Home and Profile sections, so you can start a conversation whenever you like.

The search tab is on the top of the screen, type in a name to search through your contacts to start a new chat.

Users can also tap the arrow button below any post in their timeline to share it instantly with a contact through direct messages.

In January this year, rumors started rolling out that Instagram was testing a web version of direct messages which was instantly a hit. Users had been anticipating and wishing for web DMs for a while. To be able to message on web will be a good addition for millions of Instagram’s daily users, bringing  a lot of convenience and the ability to start private conversation on a variety of devices. Users will not be restricted to their smartphones to be able to share posts and chat with friends and family.

This feature for the browser version of the app was long over due. Instagram has joined platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook in allowing users to chat from their laptops, desktops and tablets.