Instagram DMs are coming to the web

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instagram
Facebook is focused on owning messaging.
Photo: Instagram

Chatting with your friends on Instagram is coming soon to a desktop computer near you.

Instagram revealed today that it is testing a new feature that allows users to access their Instagram DMs through the company’s website. For now, the feature is only being tested with a small percentage of users, but it might be available to everyone later this year.

Making Instagram DMs available via web browsers will give users another way to “stay in touch with the people you care about,” per an Instagram spokesperson that talk to The Verge. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said last year that the company eventually plans to make it possible to for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp users to message each other.

Instagram DMs on the web

The web-based Instagram DM feature works very similarly to the iOS app. You can message individuals or create groups. You’ll be able to double-tap to like things and share photos and videos through the web interface. Instagram is also adding DM notifications.

If you work from your Mac all day and use Instagram messages more than texting (like I do) this could be great for workflows and productivity. Or possibly worse if you get sucked in.

So far, Instagram hasn’t said when we can expect web-based DMs to roll out to everyone. The company says it plans to iterate on some of the features during testing. The company is also testing a feature that flags fake photos and displays a warning to users.

 

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