How do you react to a message on instagram


How To React To Messages On Instagram

It’s been more than a year, or since Sep. 29, 2020, to be precise, that Instagram added a feature allowing us to use emoji reactions when responding to DMs. Around the same time, another update came out, addressing those who wanted to know how to reply to a message on Instagram. Yet many aren’t aware of this update, let alone knowing how to react to messages on Instagram or how to reply on Instagram DM.

Instagram DM reactions are a convenient way of bonding with our followers and friends without having to speak or type a word. And knowing how to reply to an Instagram message allows you to single out one message in a sea of Instagram DMs in a group chat or a conversation with your friends. And although many reliable Instagram DM apps try to help us do what the official app doesn’t allow, none of them made Instagram reactions or replies possible. 

That’s why in this article, we’ll provide a thorough guide on using Instagram emoji reactions for direct messages and how to reply to messages on Instagram!

So, stay tuned to find out! And in case you’re searching for an effective IG DM app, why don’t you start with DMpro now?!

Contents[hide]

  • 1 Why Learn How to React in Instagram DM & Reply
    • 1. 1 Do We Need to Take Extra Measures to Find Out How to React & Reply on Instagram Messages
  • 2 How to React to Messages on Instagram in 4 Steps
    • 2.1 #1 Update Instagram
    • 2.2 #2 Open a Conversation on the App
    • 2.3 #3 Bring Up Emoji Reactions
      • 2.3.1 How to Change the Default Heart Emoji
    • 2.4 React to an Instagram Message with an Emoji
      • 2.4.1 How to Customize Instagram Emoji Reactions
  • 3 How to React to Messages on Instagram PC
  • 4 How to Reply to a Message on Instagram
  • 5 FAQs on Instagram Reactions & Replies
    • 5.1 1- How Do You Like a Message on Instagram?
    • 5.2 2- How to Laugh at a Message on Instagram?
    • 5.3 3- Why Can’t I React to Messages on Instagram?
    • 5.4 4- How to Change Emoji Reactions in Instagram DMs?
    • 5.5 5- Why Can’t I Reply to a Message on Instagram?!
  • 6 Bottom Line on How to React & Reply to Messages on Instagram

Why Learn How to React in Instagram DM & Reply

Have you ever had a conversation where you didn’t know how to answer the last text message? Or, have you ever wondered how to reply to a specific message in the Instagram DM section because if you had just sent your answer after 100 messages on an Instagram group chat, it would sound out-of-place?! If you’ve suffered in these situations, then you know how much of a blessing it is to finally find out how to react to Instagram messages or how to reply.

 In fact, these new changes took place to further expand Facebook’s cross-platform messaging system to Instagram, a platform Facebook acquired in 2012. In short, Facebook improved the messaging experience on Instagram by adding many of the Messenger features to it.

This means that you can message your friends on Facebook from Instagram. But it also means that you have access to more features. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can now mass DM on Instagram or turn off the read receipt on Instagram.

Before this update, Instagram users could only react to DMs by double-tapping on a message and only using the heart emoji. But now, we can all customize the emojis we use to react to messages on Instagram.

Emoji reactions are well-favored by most of us. Sometimes, an appropriate emoji can convey our message better than words. These small icons on our cell phone keyboards add a layer of fun and entertainment to our daily online conversations. The experience of using them on Instagram DM has been even more exciting since the option was released.

Do We Need to Take Extra Measures to Find Out How to React & Reply on Instagram Messages

The whole point of adding these new options is that anyone can now access emoji reactions and the ‘Reply’ button on the official app. So, you don’t need to take any extraordinary measures to be able to use Instagram emoji reactions for direct messages or to reply. 

Generally, to learn how to react to messages on Instagram, you can take these short four steps:

  1. Update the app to the latest version
  2. Then, open one of your conversations
  3. And, hold your finger on a DM to see emoji reactions
  4. Finally, select one of the emojis to react

Finding out how to reply to a message on Instagram is as easy! You only need to take this instruction:

  1. Update the Instagram app.
  2. Now, open your Instagram DM section and choose a conversation or group chat.
  3. Then, tap and hold any message until the options appear.
  4. Finally, choose ‘Reply’ and type your message!

Let’s get more specific about these steps and find out how to react to messages on Instagram.

How to React to Messages on Instagram in 4 Steps

As you already know, it’s pretty easy to use emojis to react to messages on Instagram. Now it’s time to talk about the details of each step and show you how they’re done.

Remember all of the four steps are actionable on Instagram’s mobile app and not on other versions.

#1 Update Instagram

The first step is by far the most basic one; however no less important. No matter what you want to do on Instagram, it’s best to make sure you’re using the latest version.

Besides the inclusion of new features, these updates often include security and stability improvements as well. This is why you need to update the app regularly to not miss out on any features or improvements.

In fact, most of the people who can’t react to Instagram messages or complain about Instagram emoji reactions for direct messages not working haven’t updated the app. If you do so, you can easily see the options.

To update Instagram, you must visit Google Play Store (or App Store if you’re an iPhone user). If there are any updates available, you’ll see the button. 

Update the Instagram application

Pro tip: after updating Instagram, go to the app ‘Settings’ and select ‘Update Messaging’ to run this feature on your phone.

#2 Open a Conversation on the App

The second step you need to take to figure out how to react with emojis on Instagram DM is not complicated either! Just, launch the application on your cell phone and log in to your account if you haven’t already.

Now go to one of your chats. You can do this by tapping on the Instagram messages icon on the top-right side of the screen.

#3 Bring Up Emoji Reactions

Once you’ve opened a conversation, you can start reacting to any of the DMs with emojis. To do this, double-tap on a DM to react to it. By default, you can react to direct messages on Instagram with the heart emoji.

However, if you press and hold a message, an emoji list will appear from which you can choose the one you want.

Choose an emoji to react to messages on Instagram

Pro tip: since Instagram DMs have been merged with FB Messenger, you’ll only see this feature if you’ve already connected your Facebook account. Simply go to the Instagram app ‘Settings’ and select ‘Accounts Center’ to link your FB account.

How to Change the Default Heart Emoji

You’re probably curious to know whether it’s possible to change the default heart emoji to something else.

To change the heart emoji used when double-tapping on a DM:

  • Hold your finger on a DM
  • Next, from the set of emojis that appears, tap and hold on the heart emoji
  • Then, choose the emoji you want
  • Now, press ‘done.’

Pro tip: if you cannot see this list, this Instagram feature isn’t available in your country of residence. Sadly, there’s nothing else you can do to access it.

React to an Instagram Message with an Emoji

Finally, as we said earlier, from the set of emojis Instagram has included, you can choose one to react to a DM.

Easy peasy, right? You just have to press and hold a DM to bring up the emojis list and use one as you wish.

Pro tip: if you react to a direct message with the wrong emoji, you can simply remove it. This time you need to tap and hold the emoji you used to remove it.

But what if you want to change the whole set? Would that be possible? Of course!

How to Customize Instagram Emoji Reactions

Many emojis are available on our cell phone keyboards, but we rarely use more than 20 of them. The same goes with using them on Instagram to react to messages. So that’s why you should customize your emoji reactions to save yourself from searching for them every time.

To personalize the Instagram emoji reactions list:

  • Tap and hold on a DM
  • From the emoji list that pops on your screen, tap on the plus ‘+’ icon
how to customize Instagram reactions
  • Then choose ‘Customize’ from the menu.
how to customize emoji reactions
  • Now, add emojis and customize the list as you prefer.
  • Finally, tap on the mark in the top right corner.
Change Instagram emoji reactions

Pro tip: remember that the emoji you set as your first will appear when you double-tap on messages. 

How to React to Messages on Instagram PC

So far, the steps we mentioned and explained work for those who were wondering how to react to messages on Instagram iPhone or Android. But perhaps you’re one of those people who prefers to send DMs on Instagram on PC or Mac.

If you are, then we have bad news for you. Unfortunately, you can’t use custom emojis to react to DMs on Instagram for Windows or Instagram web.

The only one available on these two versions is the heart emoji which you can double-click on a DM to use it. You can easily remove it by left-clicking on the heart icon below a direct message and choosing ‘Select to remove.

How to Reply to a Message on Instagram

So far, you’ve learned all about Instagram reactions. But how do you reply to a specific message on Instagram? Let’s master it if you don’t know the answer yet!

If you’ve fully learned the steps on how to react to a message on Instagram, you have a headstart here! The first and second steps you need to take to figure out how to reply on Instagram are:

  • Update the application,
  • And choose one of your conversations from the DM inbox.

So far, so good, right?! Now, let’s see what you need to do differently!

After selecting a conversation and choosing the message you want to reply to, you should:

  • Tap and hold that DM.
  • Now, from the options that appear, select ‘Reply.’
how to reply to a message on Instagram
  • At this point, you can type your message and hit ‘Send.’
how to reply to messages on Instagram

Congratulations, you just mastered how to reply to a message on Instagram! It wasn’t so hard now, was it?! 

Pro tip: if you have replied to the wrong message and would like to remove your message, you can simply delete your Instagram DM from both sides. Then, you can tap and hold the right message you want to reply to and write your answer. 

 

FAQs on Instagram Reactions & Replies

In this article, we aimed to fully explain how to react on Instagram messages with emojis and how you can reply to a DM. But, there are still unanswered questions we need to address. Let’s get to them now, shall we?!

 

1- How Do You Like a Message on Instagram?

One of your frequently asked questions concerns how to like an Instagram DM. In fact, doing so is pretty straightforward and was possible even before the update. 

To learn how to like a message on Instagram, you can take the following steps:

  • Open your Instagram application and log in.
  • Then, enter your DM inbox from the icon in the top right corner of your feed.
  • Now, choose a conversation and the message you want to like.
  • Finally, double tap on the message.

It’s as easy! But if you’re wondering how to like a message on Instagram with a different emoji than a heart, you can tap and hold the message. Then, choose any emoji you would rather use!

2- How to Laugh at a Message on Instagram?

With Instagram reactions, you can use any emoji. So, to learn how to laugh at an Instagram message, you should first know how to react. To do so, you can follow the steps below:

  • Tap and hold the message,
  • From the reactions that appear, choose the laughing emoji you want.

That’s it. Now you also know how to use the laugh-react on Instagram!

3- Why Can’t I React to Messages on Instagram?

Those who can’t use Instagram emojis as a reaction to a DM usually complain that there’s something wrong with Instagram or their phone. So, they keep asking ‘Why can’t I react to messages on Instagram on iPhone / Android?!’ But in fact, if you update your application, many of your problems will go away.

After updating the IG app and taking all the steps on how to react to Instagram DM, you should be fine!

4- How to Change Emoji Reactions in Instagram DMs?

To do an emoji edit on your Instagram reactions, you should follow the instruction below:

  • Tap and hold any Instagram message until the list of Instagram emojis appears.
  • Now, select the ‘+’ button then ‘Cuztomize’ to enter the customization mode.
  • Finally, you can personalize the reactions by selecting any emoji you like!

This way, not only do you know how to react to an Instagram message but also you know how to customize the emojis you use. It’s really convenient, right?!

5- Why Can’t I Reply to a Message on Instagram?!

Again, this option is available on Instagram messenger. So, you need to update your application first. So, get the latest version from the Google Play Store or App Store. Then, you can easily follow the mentioned steps to master how to reply to a message on Instagram!

Bottom Line on How to React & Reply to Messages on Instagram

Using emojis makes it easier to communicate with other people. They bring a new level of excitement to our online experience. Sometimes it’s either difficult or time-consuming to express how we feel with words.

But in such situations, using one or more emojis can help us accurately convey our feelings. Thanks to the update we discussed earlier, using emojis to react to messages on Instagram has become a lot easier.

We can create a custom emoji list and react to DMs with the emojis we like. Plus, Instagram now enables you to reply to messages. These new options allow us to enjoy our daily conversations on the platform more than ever.

So if you have updated your app and can access these features, why don’t you go ahead, and read this guide on how to reply to and react to a message on Instagram again?!

How to React to Instagram Messages with Emojis on iPhone

One emoji expresses your emotion or intention more clearly than an entire message. So, if someone sends a funny message, you could react using a laughing face or haha emoji. Or with a heart emoji if they shared something nice. Emojis have now become a staple for most, if not all, social media platforms. In this article, we will focus on how to react to Instagram messages with emojis on iPhone.

 

Learn how to react to Instagram messages with emojis on iPhone

 

You should use some cool emojis on your Instagram DMs, as they are currently the trend. In this section of this article, check out our step-by-step guide on how to react to messages with different emojis on Instagram using your iPhone.

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Step 1: Launch the Instagram app and start a chat

 

If you haven’t done it, the first step for you is to download the Instagram app on your iPhone. It is a top-rated social media app that is entirely free to install. Then log in to your Instagram handle, and tap on the Messenger icon located at the top-right of the screen. After that, select a chat conversation to react using emojis.

 

Step 2: React to direct messages on Instagram with emojis

 

You can either react to an existing message with emojis or answer a message with emojis. Here’s how to react to a direct message on Instagram using your iPhone:

  • Touch and hold on to a conversation on iPhone until an emoji list appears

  • Select the emoji that you’d like. Or, if you want more options, then tap on the “Plus +” icon

  • Or double-tap on a conversation to react with the default heart emoji

  •  

    To find out how to reply to Instagram messages with emojis:

  • Tap on the message text box

  • Next, tap on the “emoji” key on the keyboard

  • After that, choose the emoji(s) that you’d want to use and tap on “Send”

  •  

    How to change double tap reaction emoji on Instagram

     

    An instant way of reacting to a DM on your Instagram is by double-tapping it. After that, a pre-selected emoji will appear over the message. By default, the double tap emoji is the heart emoji.

     

    Here’s how to change double tap reaction emojis to replace the default heart emoji:

  • Launch your Instagram app and open a conversation

  • Touch and hold on to a message that you’d want to react to

  • Then tap on the “Plus +” symbol beside the small list of emojis that appears

  • Next, tap on “Customize”

  • After that, touch the “Heart” emoji, or the first emoji on the small list

  • Then select the emoji that you’d want to replace it with from the bottom list

  • At last, tap on “Done” to save your changes

  •  

    You may also use this procedure to swap out the other emojis on the small list for your favorites.

     

    How to remove emoji reactions from Instagram messages on iPhone

     

    What if you’ve accidentally reacted with the wrong emoji? The best choice for you would be to un react your emoji reaction to the Instagram message. Here’s how to do it:

     

  • Tap on the emoji reaction icon on your message

  • On the following screen, tap to remove the emoji from your message

  •  

    Why can’t I react to messages on the Instagram app?

     

    The most likely reason would be that your Instagram has not been updated to the latest version. So, to update your Instagram app, visit the App Store page. And to know how to enable emoji reactions on Instagram, visit the app’s Settings and choose Update Messaging.

     

    How to react to an Instagram story on iPhone

     

    The process of reacting to an Instagram Story is extremely straightforward. First of all, select the Instagram story that you’d want to react to. And then, you can either tap on the message box or swipe up from the bottom. Next, you’ll have three ways to react to the Instagram Story: Quick Reactions (collection of pre-selected emojis), write a message and add GIFs or stickers.

     

    How to use the laugh react on Instagram DM?

     

    When your friend shares with you a very funny joke on your Instagram DM, the best way for you to react is by using a laughing emoji. We’ve already shared in an earlier section how to react to Instagram messages with emojis on iPhone. To use the laughing emoji to your friend’s joke, touch and hold on to the message, and tap on the Plus + icon. Next, locate the laughing emoji that you’d want to add. You can find different types of laughing emojis on your iPhone.

     

    How to add new emojis to Instagram posts on your iPhone?

     

    There are third-party emoji apps, which you can use to add new emojis to your iPhone keyboard. You can then use them on social platforms such as Instagram. So, if you install an emoji keyboard app, you’d need to enable it on your iPhone keyboard settings. For this, visit the Settings app > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > select the emoji keyboard app to enable it. After enabling the emoji keyboard app, open your iPhone keyboard and tap on the Globe icon to select your emoji keyboard. After that, choose the emoji(s) that you’d want to share on your Instagram posts or other social media posts.

     

    Finishing thoughts

     

    This is the complete information on how to react to Instagram messages with emojis on iPhone. Also, we’ve shared several additional pieces of information about changing or removing emoji reactions and many more.

     

    Some of our related blogs that you may like:

     

    How to Put a Sticker on a Picture on iPhone

    How to write to her in direct on instagram

    Relations

    Even if a touching direct message doesn't melt her heart, it will surely make her smile. And this is already half the battle. The main thing is to choose the right words. It is important that your message stands out against the backdrop of an endless stream of correspondence. So no platitudes like "hello, how are you." Don't know how else to strike up a conversation? With tips from AX, you can intrigue even a female influencer with 200k followers.

    How to start a conversation on Instagram

    Use "bait". Your task is to capture her attention from the first message. Try to make a witty joke, tell a story with an unexpected ending, or send a link that might interest her. The main thing is to show originality.

    • Find common ground. If you already know each other in reality, consider that you pulled out a lucky lottery ticket. As a starter for a conversation, remember a funny situation that happened at a party, at the university, or in a general company. This will melt the ice;
    • Complimenting appearance is too commonplace. Instagram was created to show off photos. But don't fall into the trap. The more subscribers a girl has, the more often she is told how cool she looks. Do you want to be the only one, not one of many? Try to show that more than just the cover is important to you. Study stories, captions and comments on posts. This will help to understand what she likes and what is better not to mention. A good move is to recommend a book, movie, or cool music album that might hook her;
    • React to her story. A rising cloud of hearts is clearly not enough. But this is a good start for dialogue. After the instant reaction, leave a more detailed comment. So you show that you are closely following her updates - and this is always flattering. In addition, it is much easier than starting a correspondence from scratch - you already have a topic set by the girl herself.

    Find common ground.

    Insta-pickup work strategies

    Upgrade your profile. Messages from an account without a single photo look suspicious. It is not necessary to sign up for a professional photo session. A couple of selfies or snapshots from real life are enough. It's cool if they show you doing what you love. Do you write beats? Are you skateboarding? Do you love hiking? You probably have things that you are proud of - so why not show them.

    Relationships are not a game where you can enter a secret code and immediately jump to the next level. Even if the perfect pickup line really existed, the girls would instantly figure it out. Just imagine, hundreds of messages from different guys arrive in a personal message to your chosen one, and they all start the same way. Krinzhovo, isn't it? AX doesn't give you a recipe. We only recommend tactics that will help you stand out from the background of potential competitors and at the same time remain yourself.

    More confidence! If the conversation in direct from the start started well, why not continue it in real life. Seriously. Invite a girl on a date! Regardless of the answer, she will definitely appreciate that you can be bold and spontaneous. It's time to use the knowledge you gleaned from her profile. Offer to go to her favorite coffee shop or do something crazy together that she could not decide on for a long time. This will show that you are on the same wavelength.

    Do not be afraid to write first and take the initiative in every possible way. The worst thing that can happen is you get rejected. But she might as well say yes. So, the game is definitely worth the candle!

    How do I view messages received via Instagram Direct?

    Help Center

    Instagram features

    Direct messaging

    You can view and manage Direct messages on the Instagram app for Android and iPhone, and the Instagram Lite app for Android.

    How can I view a received Direct message?

    Instagram app for Android and iPhone

    Tap the or icon in the top right corner of the feed.

    Click on the desired conversation.

    instagram.com in a mobile browser

    instagram.com in a desktop browser

    Instagram Lite app for Android

    Why can't I see a Direct message in my chat list?

    If the person you follow sends a message, it will appear in the chat list.

    If a message is sent by someone you don't follow, it will appear in your inbox as a message request. To accept or decline a message request:

    Instagram app for Android

    Tap the or icon in the top right corner of the feed.

    Select Requests.

    Touch and hold a message.

    Select Delete or Accept. You can click Remove All at the bottom of the screen to reject all requests at once.

    Instagram app for iPhone

    Tap the or icon in the top right corner of the feed.

    Select Requests.

    Swipe left on the message.

    Select Delete or Accept. You can click Remove All at the bottom of the screen to reject all requests at once.

    instagram.com in a browser on a computer

    Instagram Lite app for Android

    If you accept someone's message request, all subsequent messages from that person will immediately go to the chat list.


    Learn more