How to send Instagram direct messages on a Mac (2025-2026 guide)

If you’re looking for the best ways to use Instagram for Mac — especially for sending and managing DMs — you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the latest methods to send Instagram direct messages (DMs) from your Mac, with clear steps, personal tips, and up-to-date info for 2025 - 2026. 

How to DM on Instagram on Mac

Next, I’ll show you the easiest methods to send and receive Instagram DMs on your Mac.

Method 1: Using the Instagram Web

You can send and receive Instagram DMs from your Mac using the web version.

To do so:

1. Open instagram.com in your browser and log in.

2. Click the paper plane icon (top right) to open your Direct Messages.

3. Click any conversation to read and reply, or start a new message by clicking the “New Message” icon.

Note: The web version supports most DM features, but some advanced options (like voice messages and certain media types) may be limited. Instagram updates web DM capabilities regularly — see official updates for the latest changes.

Method 2: Using IM+ to manage Instagram DMs

If you need to manage multiple Instagram accounts or want all your messaging apps in one place, IM+ from Setapp is a great solution. IM+ is a Mac app aggregator that brings together Instagram, Slack, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and more right in your Dock.

IM+ helps solve a common problem: managing multiple messaging accounts from one place. 

To start using Instagram DMs with the app:

1. Install and open IM+.

2. Click the Services tab > Choose Instagram from the list ( you can add multiple Instagram accounts).

   

3. Write the account name and set the account > Save.

4. Click the Instagram logo > Log in.

   

With IM+, you can:

• Access Instagram DMs just like on mobile (look for the DM icon)
• Get notifications for new messages
• Add and toggle between multiple Instagram accounts
• Set hotkeys for quick access to your most-used accounts
• Update your status or mute all notifications when you need focus

Method 3: Using Unite to create an Instagram app from the web

With Unite, you can transform the Instagram web into a standalone Mac app and keep it right in your Dock. This means you don’t have to open your browser every time; you just click the app and go straight to your feed or DMs like it’s a native Mac application.

To create an Instagram app for Mac:

1. Install and open Unite on your Mac.

2. Click Create app.

3. Name your app and add the Instagram URL.

   

4. Click Create application. The app will be visible in the Dock, allowing you to log into Instagram through the app window.

   

How to check Instagram messages on Mac

When someone messages you on Instagram, a notification badge appears on the DM icon. Click it to read and reply.

If you want to receive real-time notifications for new messages, enable Instagram message notifications on Mac:

1. Go to your Instagram profile (bottom right icon).
2. Click the menu (top right) and click Settings.
3. Choose Notifications > Direct Messages.
4. Turn notifications “On” for messages, message requests, and video chats.
5. Customize further or pause all notifications as needed.

To receive notifications for new messages in IM+, click the gear icon in the bottom-left corner, then turn on Notifications and Sounds.

Read also:

• Use WeChat on Mac
• Save the Instagram video
• Save Instagram photos on Mac
• How to post to Instagram from a Mac

Tweak Instagram on Mac: Upload Instagram photos (simple browser workaround)

If you want to do more than just view or message on Instagram, you can also upload photos or stories from your Mac. The trick is to make your browser act like a phone. Here’s the easiest way to do it.

How to upload using Safari’s “mobile view”

To upload photos:

1. Open Safari.

2. Go to Safari > Settings > Advanced tab.

3. Select Show features for web browsers.

   

4. In the top menu, click Develop > User Agent, then choose an iPhone or iPad option.

   

5. Refresh instagram.com. You’ll now see the mobile version, which lets you upload photos and stories.

Limitations to keep in mind:

• You can upload photos and stories, but not videos.
• Some editing tools and filters may not appear.
• If Instagram asks you to “rotate your device,” just make your browser window narrower.

Also, try this GPT assistant if you’re seeking safe methods to download Instagram videos.

How Instagram DMs work

Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) let you communicate privately with other users. You can access DMs via the paper plane icon at the top right of your Instagram feed — on both mobile and web.

With Instagram DMs, you can:

• Share text messages, Instagram posts, photos, hashtags, and locations
• Send photos and videos from your device’s library
• Message users you don’t follow (they’ll receive a message request)
• Respond to stories in private messages (with text or emoji reactions)
• Create group chats (up to 250 people as of 2025)
• Video chat with up to 8 people via Instagram Direct
• Send voice notes (including longer ones) and make audio calls.
• Schedule messages up to 29 days in advance and translate conversations into multiple languages.
• Pin up to 3 important messages or pieces of content at the top of chats for easy access.
• Share music tracks or songs directly (with music stickers) without leaving the app.
• Use disappearing messages for photos, videos, or text that vanish after viewing.
• Chat with AI characters or user-created AIs via a dedicated smiley icon in the inbox.
• Edit sent messages, toggle read receipts, apply chat themes, and add nicknames for contacts.

Source: theverge.com

For more details, see the Instagram Help Center.

Instagram DM for Mac: Final words

Instagram for Mac is more powerful than ever, especially for messaging and managing multiple accounts. Whether you use the web version, IM+, Unite, or browser workarounds, you have several options to stay connected and productive. For the latest features and best Mac app experiences, Setapp helps you discover and use top Mac apps — including IM+, CameraBag Pro, and Unite — under a single subscription. Instead of searching for and managing multiple tools, you can access everything you need for Instagram for Mac, messaging, productivity, and more with a 7-day free trial.