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How to reply to messages and comments on Instagram

Don't leave 'em on read.
By

Published onMarch 14, 2022

Responding to messages on Instagram is a form of common courtesy. This goes for any form of communication, online or offline. If someone calls out to you and you ignore them, that isn’t very polite (especially if they see your Instagram active status). The same thing can be said for certain types of comments on social media. Here’s how to reach out and reply to messages and comments on Instagram.

Read more: How to post multiple photos on Instagram

QUICK ANSWER 

To reply to a message on Instagram, tap and hold the specific message you want to respond to. From the options that appear below, press Reply.


JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

How to reply to a specific message on Instagram

Android and iOS

From the home screen of the Instagram mobile app, tap the Messenger button in the top right; this looks like a speech bubble with a lightning bolt running through it. This will take you to your Instagram inbox.

open instagram messages with the messenger button in the top right of the interface
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Under Messages, locate the conversation with the user you want to reply to. Open that conversation.

open your desired conversation within instagram messages
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Respond to a specific message by long-pressing that specific message, then tapping Reply from the options that appear at the bottom. Enter your response in the field and press Send.

respond to a specific message within instagram mobile
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

After sending your response, your message will appear underneath the message you responded to. It will also have You replied written above it.

you replied on instagram mobile
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Desktop

Open the Instagram desktop app or go to the Instagram website on your desktop browser. Click the Messenger button to go to your Instagram inbox.

on instagram desktop open your messages
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

In the sidebar on the left, find the conversation with the user you wish to respond to, and hover your cursor over it. From the buttons that appear, click the button that looks like an arrow curving left.

on instagram desktop find the message you want to reply to and then hover over it with your mouse
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Type your reply in the Message… field at the bottom, and click Send.

type in your response on instagram desktop
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

How to reply to comments on Instagram

Android and iOS

respond to a comment on instagram mobile
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

On Instagram, locate the comment you want to respond to. This can be on anyone’s Instagram post; it does not need to belong to you. Tap the Reply button underneath their comment and type in your response. Press Post to reply.

Desktop

On the Instagram desktop app or the Instagram website on your desktop browser, find the comment that you want to respond to. Click the Reply button underneath the comment.

reply to a comment on instagram desktop
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

In the Add a comment… field below, the user’s Instagram username will appear as an ‘@’ tag. Type in your reply after that, then press Post.

post a reply to a comment on instagram desktop
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

FAQs

How do you get a celebrity to reply on Instagram?

Celebrities and prominent public figures like government officials and professional athletes typically turn off messages. This is for the best; otherwise, they would undoubtedly receive spam and hate mail. What you can do is comment on their posts, however. IF they see your post, they may respond!

What comments should I reply to on Instagram?

If you have additional insight or something important to add, you can always add a comment response. As with any situation, think before you speak—or, in this case, type!

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