What Do Symbols Mean on Instagram Direct Messages

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Instagram direct messages (DM) can get confusing at times, especially if you are new to it. You will find a bunch of icons in the Instagram chat that may feel a bit overwhelming. You may be apprehensive about hitting a symbol without knowing its effect. This guide covers all the Instagram symbols in DM, along with their meanings. The post starts with the icons that appear in the chat list and follows with the symbols that show in an individual chat.

Good to know: learn all about Instagram Safe Zones to create easily understandable content.

Content

1. New Message or Pencil Icon

When you open Instagram direct messages, you will find the pencil icon at the top. Tapping it will let you create a new message. For instance, if you don’t have an existing chat thread with someone and want to send them a message, tap on the icon, then select the person with whom you would like to start a conversation.

The icon is available at the top of the left side of the display on desktop.

2. Video Chat Icon

Next to the new message icon in the Android app, is the video chat symbol. This Instagram message symbol lets you start a video chat.

If nothing happens when you tap on the icon, you can find the same icon in an individual chat thread. Use it to video call that person or a group if it’s a group chat.

Note that on iOS and desktop, the video chat icon is visible only when you access an individual or group chat.

Tip: learn how to change the background color on your Instagram story.

3. Multiple Selection Icon

For Instagram business accounts on Android, you may find the multiple selection icon instead of the video chat icon. In this example, we have the Ad tools icon, which lets you do things like boost your post. This icon does not appear on iOS.

Tap on the three horizontal dots to access either the option to Select chats or Tools. The former allows you to do bulk operations, such as flag chats or mute messages/calls for respective contacts Tools enables you to add things to your DMs, such as a welcome message, FAQs, and more.

These icons don’t appear on desktop.

4. Red Dot

If you are using multiple Instagram accounts, you may notice a red dot next to your Instagram username in DMs. It means that some other Instagram account has unread notifications. Tap on the username to easily switch between multiple accounts from the chat list.

FYI: seeing the annoying “Couldn’t refresh feed” error on Instagram? Learn how to get rid of it.

5. Camera Icon

Next to all the chats in the chat list is the disappearing messages icon, which looks like a camera. It’s an Instagram Direct messages feature that lets you send disappearing images and videos.

Tapping on it will open the camera. Capture a picture, or choose one from your gallery. You can edit the image by adding filters, effects, text, and doodles. Once you have your photo, there are three options at the bottom: View once, Allow replay, and Keep in chat. Tap on View once to bring up the other options.

When the first option is selected, the recipient of the message can see the image or video only once. After he/she views the message, it will disappear automatically and cannot be opened by either party.

Allow replay lets the recipient view the message twice. A message sent via the Keep in chat mode will stay in the chat forever until you delete or unsend it.

The same icon is present in the chat as well o,n the left side of the typing area.

When someone sends you a disappearing photo, you will see the View photo message in your chat.

This Instagram symbol is not available in the desktop version.

6. Green Dot

When a person in your chat list is currently online, the Activity Status feature shows a green dot on their profile picture in Instagram messages. Keep in mind that you need to have your Activity Status enabled to view other people’s. If you can’t see green dots in your Instagram DMs, you may need to turn yours on.

The green dot will also appear in the Notes section, even if the person hasn’t shared an actual note. Some users can also view the Active Now message underneath their name.

Enable or disable it for your account by going to Instagram Settings & privacy -> Message and story replies -> Show activity status.

Tip: check out these awesome Instagram filters for any occasion!

7. Mute Symbol

Muting a person’s Instagram messages will show the mute icon (bell symbol crossed with a line) next to their name in the chat list. To unmute a person, open the chat thread, and tap on the person’s name. Turn off the toggle next to mute messages (and calls, if you had that enabled).

Muting implies you will no longer receive a notification when someone messages you on Instagram. To view their messages, you’ll have to check the app manually from time to time.

8. Phone Icon

Opening an individual Instagram chat thread displays the phone or calling symbol at the top. Use it to call the user or make a group call. You also get the video call icon in a chat.

9. Info Icon

If you click the i icon next to the voice and video call symbols on the Web version of Instagram on a PC, you can view additional options for that contact.

The info screen is the same one that shows up on mobile when you tap on a follower’s name at the top of the direct message window. View options to mute messages, as well as buttons to block the contact or delete the conversation.

10. Microphone Icon

Among the many messaging icons at the bottom of the chat is the microphone symbol. Press and hold the microphone button to start recording a message.

11. Image Icon

Tap on the gallery symbol to view the photos and videos on your phone. Select an item to send to a user.

Tip: learn how to delete only one photo from a carousel post or Story on Instagram.

12. Sticker Icon

Tap on the sticker icon in Instagram chats to select a sticker GIF or avatar action. They can be used in chats to make them more interesting.

Use the Search bar at the top to look for specific stickers. Enter your criteria for Instagram to show you appropriate GIFs and stickers. If you haven’t set up an avatar on Instagram, learn how to get started.

13. Heart Symbol

If you like an Instagram message, react to it with emojis. The default emoji below the message is the red heart icon. To choose a different emoji, touch and hold the message.

14. Save Symbol

When someone sends you a post, two icons will appear on the right side of the message. The paper plane icon allows you to forward it to someone else, while the bookmark icon lets you save the post to your Saved folder.

If someone sends you a Reel, you’ll only see the bookmark symbol. You can still forward it to someone else by tapping on the Reel and pressing the paper plane icon in the lower right.

Tip: learn how to recover deleted Facebook messages.

15. Vanish Mode Symbol

If Vanish Mode is enabled for a chat, the symbol will show next to the chat in the chat list. If you close the chat when this mode is enabled, the messages sent and received will disappear.

Activate Vanish mode by swiping up from a chat. Note that the option is only available in the mobile apps in certain regions.

Instagram is loaded with many more features. For instance, you can find trending audio to add to your Instagram Reels, and boost their appeal. Also check who shared your Instagram posts.

Image credit: DepositPhotos. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.

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Alexandra Arici –
Staff Writer

Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things work and to share that knowledge with everyone.

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