How to Check Instagram Messages on PC

As of June 2018, there were over 1 billion monthly users on Instagram. Today, that number is most likely much higher, since it's one of the main social media platforms people use. Chances are, you have your own account too!

While the majority of users access this app through their smartphones, many want to use it on their computers too. Sometimes, it's just a lot easier to look at things on your larger computer screen rather than your tiny phone.

So are you wondering about the functions of IG off of mobile, such as checking Instagram messages on PC? Then you're in the right place. In this article, we'll show you how to do so.

What Are Instagram Messages?

Maybe you don't even have an IG account yet, so you're wondering: what are Instagram messages anyway?

These are also called DMs, or "direct messages." You can use DMs to send private messages to and from friends. This means all your communications won't be for everyone to see.

With Instagram messages, you can send things like locations, hashtags, videos, photos, posts, and links. As you can see, DMs are a very convenient way to keep in touch with your friends.

Usually, you'd check and send DMs through the IG app on your phone. But if you're frustrated with the small screen and are home on your PC, then you'll be pleased to know that you can actually use Instagram direct on your PC.

Now that you know what Instagram messages are, here's how to message on Instagram PC.

Log Onto Your Account

Before you can do anything on your Instagram account, you have to first log in.

Type in "instagram.com" in your web browser. You'll then see 2 blank spaces: 1 is to put your username (or phone number or email) and the other is to enter your password. You can also log in with your Facebook account.

If you don't already have an account, hit the button on the bottom of the login screen where it says "Don't have an account? Sign up." It'll then ask you if you want to continue with your Facebook account if you're currently logged in on another tab. This is because back in 2012, Facebook bought the app, which links the 2 together.

After using either login method (or signing up), the browser should bring you to the main page where you'll see a feed on all your friends' posts. You'll also see all of the ones with current IG stories across the top. Their profile pictures will be surrounded by a red and orange circle.

Checking Instagram Messages on PC

Now that you're logged in, look at the top right of your browser. There should be 5 icons: a home, paper airplane, compass, heart, and your profile picture.

To check your Instagram DMs on PC, click on the paper airplane. This will bring up a window that shows all your previous/current conversations.

You can then click on them to view the messages, reply, and attach things like emojis and pictures. Do note that if you want to use the disappearing message feature, you must use the app.

If you want to chat with someone new, click on the pencil and paper icon next to "Direct" on top of your screen. You can then type in your friend's name, which will generate some results. Click on the person you want, hit "Next" on top, and it'll create a new DM screen where you can type and send your message.

Download the Instagram App for Windows 10

Another method on how to chat in Instagram in PC is to download the Instagram app for Windows 10.

Go to the Windows app store and type in "Instagram" in the search bar. Once you've found the app, install it and open it when it's done.

Put in your account credentials to log in. On the top, you'll find the paper airplane icon. Click on it and you'll be able to view and send DMs like you do on your phone.

Use BlueStacks

If you have an Apple computer, then you won't be able to download the app to use in your browser. In that case, you should try out BlueStacks. While this is an Android emulator, it also works on MacBooks!

What's great is it's free, so you don't have to pay anything to get it on your computer. Simply do a Google search for "BlueStacks" and then download the program. Once it's done, you'll have to put in your Google account credentials to log in.

When you're through with the setup process, you can click on "Search." Here, type in "Instagram" and then click on the app. This brings up the Play Store, where you can download and install the IG app.

When the download's done, open the app and enter your credentials. Once you're logged in, you can then click on the airplane icon to check and send DMs.

Know How to Message Someone on Instagram PC

By learning how to check your Instagram messages on PC, you'll be able to switch between your phone and computer whenever you want. With this new convenience, you won't be limited to just looking at your small smartphone screen anymore.

Now that you know how to use IG better, the next thing you should do is grow your following. While you can always do so on your own, a little help wouldn't hurt. For example, you can buy likes and views so your content will be more visible.

Are you interested in hearing more? Then get started now. You can buy 100 likes for just $3!