How to React to Instagram Messages in-App and Online in 2024

Learning to react to messages on Instagram not only enhances your overall experience but also bridges the gap in communication that often arises in text-based conversations. 

Using emojis to react adds another level of expression, preventing misunderstandings and providing a more lively and visually appealing way of responding. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to react to Instagram messages with ease so that you can engage with others in a more enjoyable and efficient manner.

Keep reading to discover simple steps and tricks in reacting to Instagram messages, and improving your interactions with friends, family, and followers.

How to React to Instagram Messages Using the Mobile App

Reacting to Instagram messages with emojis is a fun and interactive way to engage with your friends and followers. 

In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to react to messages using the Instagram mobile app.

1. Open Your Instagram App

First, open the Instagram app on your smartphone. 

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Ensure you have the latest version of the app, as the message reactions feature may not be available in older versions.

2. Open the Message That You’ll React To

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Image: alpr.com

To access your messages, tap the paper airplane icon located at the top right corner of your screen. 

This will open up your inbox. 

Scroll through your conversations and tap the one containing the message you would like to react to.

3. Double-Tap the Message for Quick-React

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Image: dmpro.app

For a fast and straightforward reaction, simply double-tap the message. 

This will automatically add a ‘like’ by placing a heart emoji next to the message. 

This reaction is perfect for instances where you want to acknowledge the message without typing out a response.

4. Long-Press the Message to Select an Emoji to React

If you want to choose a different emoji to react with, press and hold the message. This will bring up a row of reaction emojis at the bottom of the screen.

5. Select the Desired Emoji

Swipe left or right to scroll through the available emojis. 

Once you find the emoji that best represents your reaction, tap on it to add it as a reaction to the message. 

The selected emoji will appear next to the original message.

Remember that you can also customize your reaction emojis for a more personalized experience. 

Now you know how to react to Instagram messages using the mobile app, enhancing the way you communicate and engage with your friends and followers.

How to React to Instagram Messages Using Website Browser

1. Open Your Browser

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First, open your preferred web browser on your computer and go to https://www.instagram.com/.  

Make sure you have a stable internet connection to access the Instagram website.

2. Sign in to Your Account

Sign in using your Instagram account credentials. 

If you haven’t logged in before, you’ll need to enter your username and password.

3. Select the Message You Want to React To

Once you’re logged in, click on the Messenger icon located at the top right corner of the page, next to the home icon. 

This will open a list of all your Instagram direct messages. 

Find and select the chat containing the message you want to react to.

4. Double-Tap the Message for Quick-React

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Image: ainfluencer.

For a quick reaction, simply double-tap the message you want to react to. 

This will automatically send a heart emoji as a reaction to the message. 

Keep in mind that this shortcut only works for sending the default heart emoji reaction.

5. Hover Your Mouse Over the Emoji You Like

Reacting with custom emojis isn’t currently available on the Instagram website, but you can use Instagram’s emoji reactions to find the emoji you want to use by hovering your mouse over the options.

6. Select the Desired Emoji

Choose the emoji that best represents your reaction to the message.

By following the steps above, you can efficiently use your website browser to react to Instagram direct messages with ease.

Remember that for custom emoji reactions, you’ll have to use the mobile app to access the full range of emojis available. 

How to Change Default Emojis on Instagram Mobile App

In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of changing default emojis on the Instagram mobile app. Follow these simple steps to customize your emoji reactions.

1. Open Your Instagram App

Begin by opening the Instagram app on your smartphone. Make sure that you are logged in to the correct account.

2. Open the Message that You’ll React To

Navigate to the Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) section located in the top right corner of your screen.

Open an existing chat or start a new conversation with one you’d like to react to.

3. Long-Press the Message

Once you’ve located the message you want to react to, long-press it. This action will display a set of default emojis above the message.

4. Tap the ‘+’ Symbol

Next, tap the “+” symbol at the end of the set of default emojis. 

This will reveal a new window containing more emojis and customization options.

5. Tap ‘Customize’

In the new window, tap the “Customize” option. 

This step allows you to modify the default set of emojis available for quick reactions.

6. Select the Emoji that You Want

Finally, browse through the available emojis and tap the one you want to replace a default emoji. 

Your chosen emoji will now be added to the default set for quick reactions in future conversations.

By following these steps, you’ve successfully changed your default emojis on the Instagram mobile app. 

Enjoy enhanced personalization while reacting to messages!

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FAQs

Why can’t I react to messages on the Instagram app?

If you’re unable to react to messages on the Instagram app, it might be because your app is outdated. 

Make sure to update your Instagram app to the latest version available on your device’s app store. 

How to react to an Instagram story?

To react to an Instagram story, simply view the story and tap on the “Send Message” text box at the bottom of the screen. 

Type your message or select an emoji, and then tap the “send” button. Your reaction will be sent to the person who posted the story as a direct message. 

Remember that your reaction will be visible only to the person who added the story, and it won’t be public.

How to remove emoji reactions from Instagram messages?

If you accidentally reacted to a message on Instagram and want to remove the emoji reaction, follow these steps:

  1. Open the conversation where the reaction is located. 
  2. Tap and hold the message with the reaction you want to remove. A row of emojis will appear, and you’ll see your selected reaction highlighted. 
  3. Tap on the highlighted reaction again to deselect it. 

Your original reaction will be removed from the message.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to master reacting to Instagram messages online or through the app.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights, and now you’re equipped with the necessary knowledge to react to messages on Instagram like a pro!

 

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