Instagram DMs Can Now Be Accessed on Web Browsers

Instagram has announced that it will allow direct messages to be accessed via web browsers starting today. Accessibility has rolled out worldwide this morning following a small grouptest conducted earlier this year. The new function will feature an emoji keyboard and a gallery to view photos and videos.

When arriving on Instagram’s desktop site, users can see the Direct Message icon in the same top-right position as its mobile counterpart. Once clicked, all direct message conversations can be viewed on the left side of the screen. DMs can also be sent directly through someone’s profile by tapping the Message icon. Desktop notifications can also be set for direct messages as well.

Last year, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told The New York Times that “private messaging, groups, and Stories” were the “three fastest-growing areas of online communication.” This led the company to announce it’d shift toward becoming a “privacy-focused communications platform” with a focus on encryption. He also said he eventually wants full integration between Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp so users can message each other interchangeably.

In related tech news, Instagram and Netflix teamed up for a live chat series on self-care during COVID-19.

*Sliding into your DMs*

Now you can get and send Instagram Direct messages on desktop, no matter where you are in the world 👍 pic.twitter.com/CT2SwuxHTv

— Instagram (@instagram) April 10, 2020