How to see instagram dm on mac


Instagram DM | How to send direct messages from Mac

Your computer and mobile phone live two different lives. There are apps so broad-gauge you can’t limit their functionality to mobile or tablet only. And there’s hardly a better example than Instagram. Focused on photo and video sharing, Instagram grew into a tool for recording every moment of your routine. While lots of communication happens around Instagram posts and stories, it was inevitable for the app to become a messenger as well. And so it became!

You can access Instagram on Mac via your browser — it covers the features like browsing through the feed, commenting, and liking. Since recently, you can also read and send Instagram messages on computer. What the web version doesn’t support is the Instagram upload feature. This means you can not share your content to Instagram from a browser. But worry not, there are some workarounds — both inside the native app and with the assistance of third-party tools.  

Instagram DMs: How does it work? 

Instagram Direct was added to the platform in 2013, around three years after the launch. You can access Instagram direct messages (DMs) via the icon in the top right corner of your Feed from mobile or on the web. Here’s what you can do with the Instagram messenger: 

  • Share text messages, Instagram posts/photos/hashtags/locations, as well as photos and videos from your phone’s library with people you’re following. 
  • Send a message to Instagram users you’re not following — the recipient will see it as a message request. 
  • Respond to stories in private messages (with text or instant emoji reactions). 
  • Create group messages (up to 32 people can be invited to the group). 
  • Video chat with up to 6 people via Instagram Direct. 

You can read more about the capabilities of DMs on the Instagram Help Centre. 

How to check Instagram messages on Mac 

Once you receive a message on Instagram, you’ll see a number count appear with your DM icon. Tap it and you get access to the message. For a long time, this was the only way to check direct messages on Instagram — by launching the app. Since 2017, Instagram has also added the notifications feature, allowing users to view messages right from a phone’s locked screen. 

Enable notifications for Instagram messages on Mac 

How to check direct messages on Instagram on computer? To allow Instagram send you notifications, you have to do the following: 

  1. Click on your profile page (a person icon in the bottom right corner of the screen)
  2. From your profile, go to the main menu in the upper right corner and click on Settings. 
  3. Select Notifications > Direct Messages. 
  4. Click “On” if you want the app to notify you about incoming messages, message requests, and video chats.

In the same menu, you can customize notifications settings for posts, likes, comments as well as pause all in a click. 

IM+ for a flawless management of Instagram accounts  

An all-in-one messenger for Mac, IM+ gives you the flexibility of choice in terms of how many messenger accounts you can handle from one spot. It also covers the DM feature of Instagram, along with other messengers of your choice. Basically, it’s an aggregator of messengers that supports popular platforms, from Slack to Facebook Messenger to Telegram, and sits in your Dock for easy access to all communications. 

The key pain IM+ is solving relates to the number of accounts you can manage. The app simplifies your life if you need to toggle between business and personal accounts on Instagram. Plus, sometimes we all get into a messaging loop — switching between Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. IM+ puts it all into a sidebar, so you don’t have to dig around. 

Here’s how IM+ adds flexibility into your Instagram routine: 

  • Instagram DM: If you use Instagram with IM+, the app will show you the DM icon — just as on mobile. You can use it to check Instagram messages from Mac as well as create and send the new ones. 
  • Get notified: Enable notifications and IM+ will prompt you whenever someone sends you a direct message on Instagram.  
  • Toggle across accounts: Add multiple Instagram accounts and set up hotkeys for an access to the most frequently used accounts. 
  • Update your status: When your messaging time is over, or you simply want to take a break, change your status to “unavailable” across all accounts at once. You can also easily mute notifications from the menu bar. 

Whether for different channels or multiple Instagram accounts, IM+ is a perfect tool for business communication. If you want to learn more about how to reap benefits from Instagram for Business, check out this guide. 

Beautiful Instagram journey on Mac with Grids 

IM+ works if you need to check DMs on Instagram, but it’s pretty much limited to messaging. Grids is a whole different story. A full-featured Instagram app for Mac, it fills the gaps by bringing the native features of a mobile Instagram app to macOS. Fair to say, it even makes many things easier. 

As you launch Grids, it takes you to a beautifully organized feed. You can choose from among four different layouts and view posts the way you want. The search, likes, comments, and tags — every small thing that makes Instagram complete is covered. 

Grids also has the DM feature that replicates Instagram’s native DM logic. You’ll find a familiar DM icon in the top right corner of the app’s window: 

How to post photo and video to Instagram from Mac

Once you’ve mastered Instagram DM on Mac, dive deeper into Grids — it has so much more to offer: 

  1. Upload photo and video from your Mac’s desktop. The most wanted feature across all Instagram apps is photo upload. Grids enables you to upload any content stored on your Mac to Instagram. 
  2. Make the necessary adjustments. Switch between the original size and a square (check out instagram dimensions) to customize the look of your photo/video on the feed. Add caption, tags, and location to make your post complete. 
  3. Post Stories from Mac. Grids is the only desktop app that can post directly to Instagram Stories. Simply click on your profile picture and share your photo or video in Stories. 
  4. Choose the best layout. Grids comes with four beautiful layouts you can switch between. Each layout will automatically adjust to window size and present Instagram content in the best view. 
  5. Toggle between accounts. Just as with IM+, you can use Grids for managing both your personal and business accounts — without any limitations. The best thing is you don’t even have to sign in and out if you use multiple accounts — there’s an easy toggle for that. 

Tweaking Instagram on a Mac

Without using any third-party software on Mac, your Instagram life is pretty much limited to viewing photos, liking, and commenting. But it’s not carved in stone, though. You can make Instagram think you’re accessing the platform from your mobile phone and thus get access to some of the features like Instagram DMs and photo upload. 

What you can do is change browser user agent to iPhone or iPad to enable photo upload on a Mac:

  1. Open Safari Preferences > Advanced.  
  2. Check the box next to “Show Develop Menu in Menu Bar.” 
  3. Click on Develop in the top menu bar and select User Agent.  
  4. Choose the latest version of iPhone or iPad available on the list. 
  5. Reload or access your Instagram page at www.instagram.com — you’ll see the mobile version with full-fledged upload functionality. 

Well, it still has some limitations. If you change user agent to mobile, you’ll be able to post photos and stories as well as do some basic editing — like rotate or add text and stamps to stories. However, you won’t be able to upload video. Plus, there won’t be any of the filters and color effects available. 

Note: Instagram thinks you’re using your phone, so it might occasionally give you mobile-related prompts. For instance, it can ask you to rotate your device. To fix the problem, you’ll just need to make the window look narrower by dragging its edge inwards.

Cheating is cheating. You can use the option of tweaking Instagram settings for emergency cases, but it doesn’t cater for frequent use. This is why we recommend having a native app like Grids installed on your Mac. This is the best way to bulk upload photos and videos and post Stories. If you need to use Instagram DM online, you can get it in the web version via your browser. For messaging on Mac, we use Grids or IM+ messenger (if you need more than one messenger in one spot) — both apps are part of Setapp. As a nice perk, you get around 180 other macOS tools in the same package for a flat fee.

2 Quick Ways to DM (Direct Message) on Instagram on Mac

By Alvin Teo
Updated  ✓ Facts checked by JP Zhang    11 Comments

Most days you will find me sitting in front of my laptop typing away and trying to complete my work. My iPhone will be right beside me; sometimes I get a notification for an Instagram DM (Direct Message), but I don’t like the hassle of reaching for my phone. If only Mac allows you to DM on Instagram!

While there is an Instagram app for Windows users, there isn’t one for Mac yet. But fear not, we can use third-party apps. In this article, I’m going to show you two methods for Instagram DM on your Mac.

Also read: How to Post on Instagram on PC

Method 1: IG:dm

IG:dm is an application designed primarily for using Instagram DM on your Mac. It is limited mainly to the DM function. Other features include being able to view users who are not following you back.

Note: This is for those of you who only want to use the Instagram DM function from your Mac. If you want to upload photos or view other users’ posts, skip this and proceed to Method 2.

Step 1: Download IG:dm

To download IG:dm, simply go to its official website and download the Mac version.

Step 2: Launch and Verify IG:dm

After launching IG:dm and logging in, you will be prompted for a code that can be retrieved from your email. Simply log into the email connected to your Instagram account and enter the code.

You will be directed to the IG:dm interface. Simply type out the Instagram handle of whoever you wish to DM and chat away! You can even upload a picture from your Mac or send emojis.

Note that you will not be able to view the Instagram posts of other users or post your own photos. This app is only for DM purposes.

Method 2: Flume

Flume works on your Mac like Instagram does on your phone. You can use the Explore page, search for users, and more. It’s available in over 25 languages. However, only the Pro version allows you to upload a photo directly from your Mac or add multiple accounts. If you want only to use the DM function, just use the free version.

Step 1: Launch the Flume app.

It’s not very difficult to navigate Flume, but let me walk through it anyway. After opening the app, you can move your cursor over the top to resize the window or change the view of your posts from a single column to a 3×3 grid.

When you move your cursor to the bottom, you can access functions like uploading a picture, going to the Explore page, and viewing your starred posts (only the Pro version allows you to upload photos and add multiple accounts).

Step 2: Click on DM Function.

To use the DM function, click on the icon at the bottom that looks like a paper airplane.

Step 3: Enter the user’s Instagram handle.

You will see a search bar at the top. All you need to do is search for the user that you want to DM and key in their Instagram handle. For example, if I want to DM Instagram to suggest an idea for a new function, I would type ‘Instagram’ in the search bar.

All that’s left is to type your message and hit Enter. You can even send emojis and upload photos (located on the left of the chatbox) just like on your iPhone.

I hope you found this Instagram DM tip useful! Feel free to post any questions or leave your comments down below.

How to DM on Instagram on Mac or PC in 2 Ways in 2020 - Multiple or Single Profile - HowToiSolve

In the next few years, there will be no difference between PC and phones, all major apps now support both platforms. As for Instagram DM, now it's available for Mac, you just need the right guide on how to DM on Instagram on Mac in one go. Instagram DM is a pretty convenient way to stay in touch with Instagram fans and friends, you don't have to ask for phone numbers or any other way to get in touch. Instagram has recently added a DM feature to the web interface, besides, there is a dedicated app called IGdm which is also a good choice if you only want to use DM.

We only include the top two options to DM on Instagram on MacBook so you can enjoy chatting with your friends without any risk. At the moment, the web version of Instagram does not allow you to upload photos, other than that, you can do everything through the Instagram web interface. Get started with how to DM on Instagram on Mac, MacBook.

Method 1: Use Instagram on the web

Follow the traditional login method and DM on Instagram, no need to download any separate applications.

  1. Visit Instagram in your favorite web browser on Mac/Macbook.
  2. Enter Instagram username/email address/phone number and password to login.
  3. Click on Direct message icon in the upper right corner next to the house symbol.

    Instagram direct message option Mac Browser

  4. Now you can post to Instagram on Mac, to a specific conversation or to a group at once.

    Send a direct message to one or more Insta accounts

  5. Send a DM - Direct message.

    Send DM from Instagram in Mac browser

  6. This is it ,

Method 2: download the IGdm app

IGdm has its limitations, it is only limited to sending DM to Instagram, you won't see any messages and won't will follow your friend, only DMs are possible. I hope you understand. IGdm is also available in Pro mode, for just a few dollars you can get a lot more like Quick Reply, Upload up to 100 chat conversations, Login with multiple Instagram accounts at the same time, Dark mode, Delete unsent or pending/unread messages from DM .

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  1. Download IGdm on your Mac.
  2. choose Macos after opening the IGdm website to download IGdm for Mac.
  3. Install IGdm ,
  4. Once IGdm is ready to use, enter your Instagram credentials, and login.
  5. You may be asked to enter a verification code, so check the email ID and phone number associated with your Instagram account.
  6. IGdm is ready to use, You can chat, send photos to whom you want on IGdm.
  7. Please note that IGdm is only available for DMs and not for posting or viewing Instagram posts as we are used to in the Instagram app.

Follow these two alternative ways to direct message to Instagram from your MacBook, Mac Browser.

Programs for Windows, mobile applications, games - EVERYTHING is FREE, in our closed telegram channel - Subscribe :)

Different ways to DM on Instagram on Mac

Instagram is known as a social media platform that allows you to share your photos and videos online. This social media platform is actually owned by Facebook - one of the most popular social networks in the world.

And one of the things about Instagram is that you can actually send a private message to any of your friends using their DM or direct message. It can indeed be accessed from any device except one - your Mac. So how to write DM on Instagram on Mac ?

Once you post a photo or video on your Instagram, it will automatically appear on your profile. And people who follow you will be able to see your post in their news feed. The same is true of you. Anything posted by people you follow will also show up in your News Feed. Thanks to this, Instagram has become accessible from any devices such as iOS, Android, Mac and Windows PC.

But don't worry, because in this article we will show you how to write a DM on Instagram on Mac with the help of some third party applications that you can download. This way you will be able to send and receive DMs on your Mac.

Article GuideTwo Different Ways to DM on Instagram on MacBONUS TIP: Optimizing Your MacConclusion

People Also Read:Full Guide: How to Uninstall Advanced Mac Cleaner? How to Hide Files on Mac

Two different ways to DM on Instagram on Mac

Here are two different third apps that you can download on your Mac to be able to DM on Instagram.

Method #1: IG: dm

IG: dm is a tool that is primarily intended for people who can use DM or direct messages on a Mac device. However, this app is only for DM features for Instagram. And with this app, you will also be able to see Instagram users even if they are not your followers.

You should be aware that this app will only let you send Instagram DMs to your Mac and you won't be able to upload your photos or even see your followers' posts.

And to find out how you can use this application, here is a short guide that you can follow.

Step 1. Get IG: dm

First, you will need to download IG: dm from its official website and make sure you get the version for your Mac device.

Step 2: Launch and confirm IG: dm

Once you have completed the download and installation process, you can go ahead and open the app on your Mac. Then go ahead and login to your Instagram account . And once you're able to log in, you'll be able to request a code, which you can actually receive via email. So, from there, log into your email, get the code from Instagram, and enter the code.

Step 3: Send a private message

And once you can enter the code, you will be redirected to the main interface of the IG app: dm. And from there just go and look for the person you want to DM and then you can start chatting with that person. You can also send emoticons or download images from your Mac.

Method #2: Tray

Flume is a third party app that you can use on your Mac that actually works just like Instagram does on your mobile device. With this you will be able to use Examine page and look for some users. This application is also available in different languages.

But with this application only with PRO version will allow you to upload photos directly from your Mac or add more accounts. However, if you just want to use its DM features, the free version will do the trick for you. And there are two ways to get the Flume app on your Mac, one is to download it from the official website and the other is to subscribe to it on Setapp.

Now let's see how to use the Flume application.

Step 1. Open the Flume app on Mac

Go ahead and open the Flume app on your Mac. After that, you can move your mouse pointer to the top of the application window screen to resize it. You can also change the way messages are displayed on the screen. You can change it from one view and turn it into Grid view 3x3 .

If you try to move your mouse to the bottom of the application screen, you will be able to see some of the features that you can use, such as image upload and go to research page .

NOTE: You can only upload photos and videos if you have the PRO version of this app installed.

Step 2: Select the DM function

Now, in order for you to use the DM function of this app on your Mac, go ahead and select the paper airplane icon . It is located next to the bell icon.

Step 3: Search Instagram account

Then after that you will be taken to the next page where you can see the search bar at the top of the screen. From here, all you have to do is use this search bar and sign in to the Instagram account that you want to DM.

Step 4. Send DM

And once the account you are looking for appears on your screen, just click on it. From there, you will be able to send DM to that particular person, or even send emoji if you want. This is similar to sending a DM using an iPhone.

That's it! Now you know how to post on Instagram on Mac with the two methods we have shown you. Having an app on your Mac that lets you DM to Instagram is a really handy way, especially if you don't want your phone with you while you use your Mac device.

BONUS TIP: Optimizing Your Mac

Now since we're talking about your Mac and you actually need to upload apps that you can use for yourself to DM on Instagram, it's also essential that you actually be able to maintain performance your Mac. And the most effective way to do this is to clear all the files, applications, and other things that you no longer need.

And with that iMyMac PowerMyMac is the best tool you can use. Because with iMyMac PowerMyMac you can clean up all the files, applications and other documents that you no longer need.


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