Understanding Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) can be somewhat daunting for users, particularly those who are just getting acquainted with the platform. The app is laden with various icons that may leave you perplexed about their functions. This comprehensive guide demystifies the symbols you encounter in Instagram DMs, explaining their meanings and purposes. We’ll start with the icons visible in the chat list before moving into those found within individual message threads.
1. New Message (Pencil Icon)
At the top of your Instagram Direct Messages, you will see a pencil icon. Tapping this icon allows you to initiate a new message. If you wish to converse with someone with whom you haven’t previously chatted, simply tap the icon and use the To bar to find and select the desired contact.
In the web interface, the new message icon resides in the top left corner. Select the individual you wish to message and click the Chat button to start a new conversation.
2. New Quicksnap Icon
The Quicksnap feature, a recent addition to Instagram, allows users to share temporary snapshots with individuals or groups in DMs. These images will self-destruct once they have been viewed by the recipient(s).
On the Android app, you can create a New Quicksnap by tapping the rectangular smiley face sticker adjacent to the New message button.
You can also access the Quicksnap feature from a card located beneath the Search bar, allowing you to capture and send a photo immediately. Keep in mind that on certain Android devices and on iOS, the Quicksnap option may not be clearly visible; it might be hidden among other icons on some accounts.
Note that the Quicksnap feature is unavailable on the web version of Instagram.
3. New AI Chat Icon
If you’re on iOS, the New Quicksnap icon is supplanted by the New AI Chat icon, which is positioned alongside the New Message button.
This feature allows you to engage with various AI characters through AI Studio, and you can even design your own AI, like one I created modeled after Queen Elizabeth I.
To access this functionality in the Android app, click the New Message icon and select the AI chats option to enter AI Studio.
4. Multiple Selection Icon
Users with Instagram business accounts on mobile will notice a three-dot icon beside the New message button. Tapping this icon reveals options to Select chats or access Tools.
The Select chats option allows bulk actions like message deletion, marking as read, muting, etc. Alternatively, by selecting Tools, you can access options to enhance message replies, manage ads, and track engagement metrics.
It’s essential to note that these icons do not appear in the Instagram web version.
5. Red Dot Notification
For users managing multiple Instagram accounts, a red dot may appear next to your username in DMs, indicating unread notifications from another account. Tap on the username to toggle between accounts seamlessly from the chat list.
6. Share a Note Icon
The Instagram Notes feature allows you to communicate brief messages within your DMs. To create a note, tap the first bubble with your profile picture located beneath the Search bar.
Instagram has enhanced this feature, allowing users to incorporate music and location tags in their notes.
7. Map Icon
Adjacent to the Note icon is another bubble that provides access to the Map feature, facilitating the instant sharing of your location with friends directly from the app.
8. Disappearing Camera Icon
Next to each chat in your chat list is a camera icon, which signifies the disappearing messages feature in Instagram DMs. This feature allows users to send images and videos that vanish after being viewed.
By tapping the icon, you can launch the camera to capture a photo or select one from your gallery. You’ll also have options to edit the image and choose whether to send it as View Once, Allow Replay, or Keep in Chat.
The View Once option allows the recipient to view the image or video a single time, after which it disappears. The Allow Replay option lets them see it twice, while the Keep in Chat option retains it in the conversation until deleted.
You’ll also find this camera icon within a specific message thread, located beside the typing area.
When a disappearing photo is received, a blue Play button appears in the main DM screen, allowing you to view the sent image or video. You can respond by tapping the Reply button that appears subsequently.
It’s pertinent to note that this disappearing image feature is exclusive to the mobile application, as it is not available in the web version.
9. Green Dot Indicator
The green dot that appears next to a contact’s profile picture in DMs signals that they are currently online. To see this status, your own Activity Status must be enabled. If you cannot view these indicators, you may need to enable yours in the settings.
You can manage this setting by navigating to Instagram Settings & Activity -> Message and Story Replies -> Show Activity Status.
10. Mute Symbol
If you have muted a contact’s messages, a mute icon (depicted as a bell with a line through it) will appear next to their name. To unmute, open the chat and tap on their name, then select Unmute.
When muted, you will not receive notifications for messages from that contact. To view their messages, you’ll need to check the app manually.
11. Phone/Video Call Icons
Within a message thread, you’ll notice phone and video call symbols at the top. These allow you to initiate a voice or video call with the user.
12. Blend Icon
In some regions, you may discover a Blend icon that appears as a smiley face with a + sign adjacent to it within a message thread. This feature lets you and a friend create a joint Reel feed.
To find out how to set up an Instagram Blend feed, consult our detailed guide.
13. Info Icon
Clicking on the i icon adjacent to the voice and video call symbols in the web version on a PC reveals additional options for that contact.
This info screen is similar to the one that displays when you tap a contact’s name in the mobile DM window, presenting options to mute, block, or delete the chat.
14. Microphone Icon
Within the chat window, you will find a microphone symbol among the available messaging icons. Press and hold this icon to record a voice message, whether on mobile or PC.
15. Image Icon
The gallery symbol enables you to browse photos and videos saved on your device. Choose an item to send to your contact, either from your mobile device or PC.
16. Sticker Icon
By tapping on the sticker icon within an Instagram chat, you can select an array of stickers, GIFs, or Avatar stickers to enhance your conversations. This feature is accessible from both mobile and PC versions of Instagram.
You can easily search for specific stickers or GIFs using the search bar located at the top. If you have yet to create an Instagram avatar, here’s how to do it.
Additionally, on the web version, an emoji button appears to the left of the message bar, which you can use to access an emoji gallery.
Moreover, next to the sticker icon, a heart-shaped button allows you to sprinkle tokens of affection in your chats.
17. Send Icon
Upon composing your message in either the mobile or web app, a paper airplane icon appears on the right side of your message bar. Tap this icon to send your message.
18. Heart (Like) Icon
When a chat message includes a red heart (or any other emoji) next to it, this signifies that the person you are chatting with has reacted positively to that message. For additional reactions, simply long-press the message or post.
In the web version, hover over the message and click the smiley face icon to modify your reaction.
19. Paper Airplane Icon
When a photo or post is sent to you, a paper airplane icon will appear next to the message. This feature allows you to easily forward received content to others.
If you tap on a received photo, it will open in a separate window, where you can save it to your device by tapping the Download icon.
In the web version, there’s an extra icon for shared items: an arrow that enables you to respond directly to that content. On mobile, swipe right on the post to achieve this.
20. AI Studio Icon
Within an AI chat, several additional icons become accessible. In the top right corner, a symbol resembling three circles stacked with a star takes you back to AI Studio, where you can explore new AIs or create your own chatbot.
21. Your AI Settings Icon
Next, you’ll uncover a gear icon that opens the settings page for your AI. It allows you to rename your bot, alter its profile picture, and adjust the prompt used to create it.
Beyond renaming, you can also manage privacy settings for your AI, incorporate a welcome message, and set up advanced features like icebreakers.
22. AI Info Icon
At the top right, you will find an i icon that provides additional information concerning the AI chatbot’s training and accuracy levels when tapped.
23. Reload Icon
As you interact with the AI chatbot, a small reload icon appears next to its responses. This option is useful if you feel unsatisfied with the answers provided.
24. Improve AI Symbol
Underneath each response from the AI, you will find various icons, including one resembling a paper airplane that lets you share the response, and a pencil icon that allows you to suggest improvements to the AI’s performance by adding example dialogues or instructions.
25. Rate AI Reply Icons
You can enhance the AI experience by rating the responses it provides. Located beneath its answers, you can choose either a thumbs-up or thumbs-down icon to give feedback.
26. Vanish Mode Indicator
If a chat has Vanish Mode activated, an indicator will appear in the main DM screen. Messages exchanged during this mode will automatically disappear once the chat is closed.
You can activate Vanish Mode by swiping up from the chat window.
Now that you’re well-acquainted with the different icons in Instagram DMs, it’s a great opportunity to utilize this knowledge effectively in your messaging experience.
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