Direct Messaging on Instagram Online - 5 Ways

Many Instagram users want to use direct messaging on Instagram online. Actually, there are 5 ways to check and send  Direct Messages on Instagram on PC without the mobile Instagram app. You don’t even need to install anything, but your web browser. Whether you are using Windows, macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS, you can find at least 2 working methods here. 

Send Instagram Direct Messages Online

This method is ideal for those who don't want to download anything on the computer and it works for most of the web browsers, if not all. As may know, it is possible to send Instagram direct messages on mobile web browsers, so you can simulate a mobile viewport with your desktop web browser to access Instagram direct messages. Let’s take Chome as an example:

Step 1. Access the Instagram web page through Google Chrome. If you are not signed in to your account, you need to login first.

Step 2. Press F12 on Windows or Command+Option+I on macOS. You can also right-click on blank space of the page and, click select Inspect.

Step 3. On the right will open a developer tools. Click on a mobile and tablet icon to enable the mobile view. 

Step 4. Refresh the page and then you will be able to see the direct message icon. 

Step 5. At the top right of the screen, click on the arrow icon just like in the smartphone app, to access Direct Messages.

You can check any conversation you have or start a new one. You can simply type in the message box to reply as you do in the mobile version. You can send a heart, photo or video files. You can also use this method to post to Instagram on PC. The only drawback is that this trick is that no emojis are available. 

Direct Message for Instagram Chrome Extension

If you think the first method is a little bit complicated for you, you can also use a Chrome Extension, Direct Message for Instagram, to help you quickly access your messages. Once you get this extension installed, you can click on the extension icon on your browser to access Instagram Direct Message at any time.

Besides sending messages to your friends and followers from your desktop PC, this extension also allows you to send emojis and delete any message. To delete your message, tap and hold right Button on the message you want delete and select "Unsend". 

Instagram Official App for Windows 10

If you are using Windows 10, you can download the official Instagram app from Microsoft Store. This app works the same as the mobile Instagram app you use on your Android phone or iPhone. 

Besides, Instagram for Windows 10 lets you edit publish photos and videos in your feed and stories, view your friends' profiles, temporary feeds and posts, use the Explore tab, send private messages, photos, videos and posts from your Instagram feed Direct and share your posts on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and other social networks.

Third-party App for Windows and Mac

If you have a PC is running Windows 8 or lower, you can try the IG: DM. It is a a desktop open source program that works in a way similar to WhatsApp for PC with a dedicated window to chat. 

You can free download the free version on your PC. It is available on Windows, macOS, or Linux. The software comes down to inbox and offers no other features. There is also a pro version, which provides more advanced features like multiple accounts, filter chat list, search, unsend, dark theme, etc. 

For MacOS users, you can also use the Flume app, with a different look. You can try it free for 7 days. Afterwards, you are charged $ 15 per month. It simulates the Instagram vertical window with the Direct icon in the interface.

Please note that when using third party applications you are sharing your password with the developer. If you notice any unusual activity, please change your password through the official website or the original Instagram app on your smartphone.

Send Instagram Direct Messages with Android Emulators

If you want to have a full Instagram mobile app experience on your cp,puter, you can use an Android application emulator like BlueStacks. This will work well for Windows and macOS. After installing Bluestacks on your computer, you can sign in with your Google account and install Instagram on your virtual Android device. After logging in, you can direct Instagram messages on your PC.

Another option is Google Chrome's ARC Welder that allows you to run APK versions of Android apps if you’re on Chrome OS, or using the Chrome web browser on any operating system. With the ARC Welder app for Google Chrome, you can run APKs for Android in the most practical way possible. You can refer to the steps below to use ARC Welder to run Instagram APK on your computer: 

Step 1. Install ARC Welder on your Chrome web browser. 

Step 2. Open ARC Welder in the Chrome app launcher (or go to chrome: // apps );

Step 3. Click on Add your APK and select the Instagram.apk.

Step 4. Choose the settings (screen orientation, device format and clipboard access) and click Launch App and now you can use Instagram app to access Instagram direct messages on your PC easily. 

Tips: Google Play does not allow you to download an * .apk directly from the web, but you can find services that distribute these files, such as APKMirror to get the Instagram APK file. 

Conclusion

That’s all the 5 ways to use direct messaging from Instagram online. If you don’t want to install anything, the first method is the most convenient. If you want all features as you use the Instagram mobile app, the Android Emulator is the way to go. 

Actually, Instagram has announced that they are testing Instagram Direct Message for web, so soon you will be able to use the official Direct Message feature online. Hope this is helpful to you and you grow Instagram followers fast.