Instagram is now making it easier for users to communicate thanks to direct message support having been extended to web browsers. This could prove to be another useful way for people to connect with each other while social distancing.
Like most social media platforms and services, Instagram not only allows users to post to a global audience, but also send messages directly to each other, including now on desktop. While this particular expansion would seem to be conveniently timed, considering more people are now home and actively seeking additional ways to communicate online, that’s not quite the case. Instagram had previously been testing this feature, so while helpful timing, it does not specifically seem to have arrived in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instagram confirmed the wider support without much fanfare considering the announcement came via the social media service’s Twitter account. As it was a Tweet-based announcement, few details were provided other than the fact the option to send and receive DMs from a web browser is now live. In addition, and although the feature is becoming available to all users globally, it is likely to be rolling out in stages. Therefore, not all users are necessarily going to see the web browser support for direct messages going live at the same time.
How To Read & Send Instagram Direct Messages
Those already used to Instagram should find using the feature extremely easy as there’s not much difference between how direct messages are accessed or used on desktop, compared to the mobile app. However, for those new to Instagram or sending direct messages, once logged in to an Instagram account, a mail icon will be visible in the top-right corner of the screen. On mobile, this icon sits on its own, while on desktop it appears alongside the icons for Home, Discovery, Likes, and Profile. Clicking on the mail icon will redirect the user to the direct messages section, allowing them to read, send or manage their inbox.
Though the new feature is now here, it is unlikely to appeal to everyone equally. Instagram is a service that heavily caters to a mobile experience and as a result, it is likely that the majority of everyday users will continue to access the service primarily through the mobile app. Of course, there will be those who are power users and maybe that’s who this feature expansion is primarily targeting with the ability to use a keyboard and engage in traditional desktop-like chats. However, with so many now stuck at home under a coronavirus lockdown order, accessing from a web browser might prove to be beneficial to more people than usual. Those socially-distancing users can also take advantage of another recently launched co-watching feature that lets Instagram users continue to view posts while in video chats with friends.
Source: Instagram/Twitter