Oct 07, 2019 Check Instagram messages on your computer. It took Facebook/Instagram a long time before a proper web interface was introduced. There are even some who are (im)patiently waiting for a proper iPad application. But for those users that want to be able to use Instagram on the web, you currently don’t have the ability to view Direct Messages.
On 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 allowing you to DM on Instagram!
While there is an Instagram app for Windows 10 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
Instagram App For Pc
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.
Instagram Messages Mac App
Method 2: Flume
Flume works one 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. You can either get this app from the Flume website or subscribe to it on Setapp.
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.
Regardless of what you think about the platform, Instagram is steadily and increasingly becoming one of the most popular apps. It doesn’t matter whether you are a millennial or an older person, Instagram is still a fantastic app.
Contents
- 2 Conclusion
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Instagram Messages On Mac Free
However, if you want to use Instagram on the web, it’s a bit frustrating. There is an interface where you can view Stories and your timeline, but what about DM’s? In that case, you’ll have to dive a bit deeper.
Check Instagram messages on your computer
It took Facebook/Instagram a long time before a proper web interface was introduced. There are even some who are (im)patiently waiting for a proper iPad application.
Free Instagram App For Mac
But for those users that want to be able to use Instagram on the web, you currently don’t have the ability to view Direct Messages. Luckily, there has been a workaround that was discovered and now makes it possible.
The following steps will create a shortcut to your DM’s, and to a pseudo-desktop app for Instagram. We will note that you will need to perform these steps in Google Chrome, as they won’t work with Safari.
- Open Instagram.com in Chrome
- Launch Developer Tools
- Three dots in top right-hand corner
- More Tools
- Developer Tools
- Switch to mobile (iPhone/Android) mode
- Reload page
- Click on DM button
- Hit the three dots > More Tools > Create Shortcut
Once you have gone through and created your shortcut, Chrome will give you another prompt. From here, you can rename the app, change the icon, and then confirm.
After confirmed, the new Instagram shortcut will be placed in the “Chrome Apps” folder. If you have other Chrome apps installed, they can also be found here. If not, a new folder will be created, and then you can move the shortcut wherever you would like.
Conclusion
We admit that this isn’t the prettiest method to access Direct Messages from Instagram on your computer. However, short of trying a third-party app or not doing it at all, this is your best bet.
If you have found a better way to access Instagram DM’s, please let us know in the comments below. Additionally, if there are some apps that you are using on your computer to access Instagram, show them off so that we can try them out!
As always, if you have any questions or run into issues, sound off in the comments below and we’ll be sure to help!
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
Check Instagram Messages On Mac
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.