If you’ve been trying to send direct messages on Instagram right from your browser on your computer, you might have realized by now that it isn’t possible. This is partly because Instagram wasn’t designed to be used on a PC.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t check direct messages on Instagram on your computer or Mac. In this guide, I will show you several ways you can use to send an Instagram direct message from your computer.
1. Using the Instagram Windows app
Windows users can use the new Instagram app for Windows to send and receive DMs. Visit this page to download the app. Once you’ve installed it, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Instagram account on the app
- Click the Paper Plan icon on the top right side of the newsfeed
- Select a contact you want to send a message to
- Select an image from your computer and send
To view messages, select a contact; you should see all the messages he or she has sent you.
2. Use Flume
The first method won’t work for you if you own a Mac. However, that shouldn’t bother you since Flume allows you to send messages from your Mac.
Just download the app, log in and start sending Instagram direct messages.
3. Use Direct Messages for the Instagram app
Direct Message for Instagram is available on the Mac App Store, and it allows you to DM on Instagram on your PC. Besides sending messages, you can also view disappearing photos and videos. All you need is to install the app and start sending messages instantly.
Things you can send using Instagram direct messaging
- Photos or videos you’ve taken or uploaded from your library
- Text
- Posts you see in the Feed
- Profiles
- Locations
- Hashtags
- Disappearing photos and videos
I hope these apps have helped you in your quest to DM people on Instagram on your computer. However, it is important to remember that unless it is an official Instagram app, don’t rely on it to keep your private messages private.
There is still hope for launching an official Instagram app for Mac, especially with the recent launch of IGTV.
Read: How to download Instagram videos on iOS
Alex is an IT technician who shares his experiences with Apple devices occasionally. He has a collection of Apple devices (from iPhone 4) and has recently started trying out Android.
IG: @I M_Alex