Instagram’s Direct Messaging May Soon Be Available on Its Web Client

• Instagram’s web users will soon be able to use the direct message feature as part of an upcoming update.
• The update was first spotted by app researcher Jane Manchun Wong.
• The feature is currently in development, and there is no official word on its release date.

Instagram is not available as a full-fledged platform on the web for desktop users, and users simply get a toned-down version of the mobile app. While users are able to explore images and Stories, there is a lot that’s missing in the web version of the app, and one of the most glaring features that are missing is direct messaging. However, that is set to change in the near future.

The mobile-only app is currently testing direct messaging according to a tip by Jane Manchun Wong this week. Wong is a prolific app researcher who is known for finding out the latest insider news from social media platforms. Earlier this year, she revealed Instagram’s new multi-upload feature for users with multiple accounts.

Instagram's Direct on Web will also be available on desktop pic.twitter.com/Y3iTIdDwKV

— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) February 12, 2019

It remains to be seen if Instagram puts more focus on the desktop version of the app. The platform has always focused on the mobile app to the point there is no official iPad or desktop web app yet. While we will get access to direct messaging on the web version of Instagram, there is still no way to upload photos for desktop users. Instagram has stated in the past that it “no plans to let users upload photos or stories from the desktop.”

Development for the web version of the platform has been fairly slow, and the last major update was the introduction of browser notifications in September 2018. The new update is not only going to be available for desktop web users but also for mobile browsers which are a big step forward.

According to social media experts, the decision to add direct messaging to the web version of the platform could have been influenced by Direct, which is Instagram’s standalone messaging app that is yet to see a complete global release. There have also been reports of Facebook planning to unify WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram under one platform which could have led to the change.

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