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Instagram direct messages (DM) can get confusing at times, especially if you are new to it. You will find a bunch of icons in the Instagram chat that may feel a bit overwhelming. You may be apprehensive about hitting a symbol without knowing its effect...
The icon is available at the top of the left side of the display on desktop. ...
2. Video Chat IconNext to the new message icon in the Android app, is the video chat symbol. This Instagram message symbol lets you start a video chat...
If nothing happens when you tap on the icon, you can find the same icon in an individual chat thread. Use it to video call that person or a group if it’s a group chat. ...
Note that on iOS and desktop, the video chat icon is visible only when you access an individual or group chat. ...
Tip: learn how to change the background color on your Instagram story. 3. Multiple Selection IconFor Instagram business accounts on Android, you may find the multiple selection icon instead of the video chat icon...
Tap on the three horizontal dots to access either the option to Select chats or Tools. The former allows you to do bulk operations, such as flag chats or mute messages/calls for respective contacts Tools enables you to add things to your DMs, such as a welcome message, FAQs, and more. These icons d...
FYI: seeing the annoying “Couldn’t refresh feed” error on Instagram? Learn how to get rid of it. 5. Camera IconNext to all the chats in the chat list is the disappearing messages icon, which looks like a camera...
When the first option is selected, the recipient of the message can see the image or video only once. After he/she views the message, it will disappear automatically and cannot be opened by either party. Allow replay lets the recipient view the message twice...
When someone sends you a disappearing photo, you will see the View photo message in your chat. ...
This Instagram symbol is not available in the desktop version. 6. Green DotWhen a person in your chat list is currently online, the Activity Status feature shows a green dot on their profile picture in Instagram messages...
The green dot will also appear in the Notes section, even if the person hasn’t shared an actual note. Some users can also view the Active Now message underneath their name. Enable or disable it for your account by going to Instagram Settings & privacy -> Message and story replies -> Sh...
Muting implies you will no longer receive a notification when someone messages you on Instagram. To view their messages, you’ll have to check the app manually from time to time. 8...
9. Info IconIf you click the i icon next to the voice and video call symbols on the Web version of Instagram on a PC, you can view additional options for that contact. ...
The info screen is the same one that shows up on mobile when you tap on a follower’s name at the top of the direct message window. View options to mute messages, as well as buttons to block the contact or delete the conversation. 10...
11. Image IconTap on the gallery symbol to view the photos and videos on your phone. Select an item to send to a user...
Tip: learn how to delete only one photo from a carousel post or Story on Instagram. 12. Sticker IconTap on the sticker icon in Instagram chats to select a sticker GIF or avatar action...
Use the Search bar at the top to look for specific stickers. Enter your criteria for Instagram to show you appropriate GIFs and stickers. If you haven’t set up an avatar on Instagram, learn how to get started...
14. Save SymbolWhen someone sends you a post, two icons will appear on the right side of the message. The paper plane icon allows you to forward it to someone else, while the bookmark icon lets you save the post to your Saved folder...
If someone sends you a Reel, you’ll only see the bookmark symbol. You can still forward it to someone else by tapping on the Reel and pressing the paper plane icon in the lower right. Tip: learn how to recover deleted Facebook messages...
Activate Vanish mode by swiping up from a chat. Note that the option is only available in the mobile apps in certain regions. Instagram is loaded with many more features...
Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things wo...