Instagram needs no introduction. This super cool photo sharing feature has slowly become one of the most popular social media platforms, all thanks to its trendy and new features. And the good thing is that many of these features are also available on the web version, except for one – Instagram DM.
Yes, you can view your friends’ Instagram stories or even search and follow hashtags. You can even post images from the web version. However, you cannot check or send messages. And if you’re an Instagram geek like me (who has to stare at the desktop most of the day), that can turn out to be a huge letdown.
Thankfully, all is not lost yet. There are many workarounds in the form of Chrome apps and extensions that can help you view and reply to Instagram DMs from the comfort of your PC. Yep, you read that right, no need to open the Instagram app on your smartphone.
Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any problems that arise after installing these apps and extensions. So walk with caution and at your own risk.
Method 1: How to watch Instagram DM on PC
Viewing Instagram messages on PC isn’t rocket science, and there are plenty of apps and tools to help you do just that. In our case, the tool that came to our rescue was IG:dm and the name said it all.
IG:dm not only shows all your Instagram messages, but also allows you to reply to incoming messages, similar to Facebook Messenger.
All you need to do is download and install the app. Once done, log in with your username and password and you’re done.
When the verification is complete, you’ll see all the messages on the left along with the mail pane on the right. Just click one, and start chatting.
While IG:dm allows you to chat with your followers, it doesn’t have all the features of Instagram like GIFs, Likes and the option to send voice messages.
Currently, you can only exchange images and emojis, in addition to standard text. Also, double tapping on a message will ‘like’ it, similar to a phone feature.
In addition to the above, IG:dm comes with some decent features. Otherwise you can search for messages and accounts using the Search box or you can change the size of the DM window.
However, a good portion of these features are intended for professional users. Once you upgrade, you can sign in to multiple accounts, use Slack-style emoji search, or quote chat messages directly.
Overall, IG:dm is a great tool to have on your PC. It is very simple to use and the fact that it directly replicates the look and feel of Instagram is the best thing.
However, note that this tool can sometimes be a bit slow to respond. Also, you cannot view Message Requests using this tool.
Method 2: How to view Instagram DMs on Chrome
On Google Chrome, viewing messages is much easier. And the best thing is that you don’t need any other setup. A simple extension that does the trick.
The advantage of these extensions over specialized apps and tools is that they act like an emulator. And so you get the same experience as the DM section on your phone, but on a larger screen.
The extension I’ve found most useful is the aptly named Direct Message for Instagram. As we mentioned above, it almost duplicates the look and feel of the Instagram app.
After you add an extension to Chrome, it doesn’t need any separate login information. If you are already logged in to your profile, the extension will pull your credentials from your browser. Once done, click the little DM icon on your browser and bam! Hello, Instagram.
Now all you have to do is click on the DM icon and you are ready to start chatting. In addition, you can send hearts, images as well as emojis. Alternatively, you may also prefer older messages.
Unfortunately there is no option to send GIFs and stickers. Alternatively, you can also block or report and create an account from within a small window or create a group chat.
Unlike IG:dm, you can also view Message Requests. And not only that, Direct Message for Instagram also allows you to Allow or Deny the request.
What I love about the Direct Messages extension for Instagram is that it’s clear and simple. There are no ads and you don’t need to install any third-party tools to send emojis.
Just click the icon when you need to check your DM and click outside the window when you’re done with your work. Yes, that’s simple.
Are there any alternatives?
Of course, these two tools are not the only two on the market for viewing Instagram DMs. There are also other tools, such as Web for Instagram Plus DM.
It has almost the same function as the one above. However, there are a few ads in between. Also, you need a third-party plugin to send emojis. On the bright side, you can see the number of followers or new messages just by hovering over the icon in your status bar.
Chat like a boss!
So here’s how you can watch Instagram DM from the comfort of your PC and browser. Which method will you choose? Standalone app or nifty Chrome extension?
Let us know what you think about both methods in the comments section below.
Next up: Need to find the first Instagram message in your thread? Read the following article to see how to do it.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
