Can You Message Someone on Instagram Without Following Them?

In recent years, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have become more prevalent in the online space. Statista says mobile messaging apps have around 3.6 billion users today. We expect this to rise to 7 billion by 2030. As for social media, Instagram’s direct messaging feature has paved the way for communicating with people quickly online. But can you message someone on Instagram without following them?

One of Instagram’s best features is the flexibility to send messages to anyone if their message settings allow it. Direct messages have proven to be an incredible and integral feature on Instagram as a platform. Today, we’re diving into who you can and can’t message and whether you can DM people you don’t follow. Let’s jump right in!

Reaching Out: Can You Message Someone on Instagram Without Following Them?

So, you’re asking “How do you message someone on Instagram if you’re not following them?”. The good news is it’s definitely possible to message Instagram users even if you aren’t following their page. It’s not a requirement to be able to send messages to a user. Any page you visit will show the gray “Message” icon at the top beside the “Follow” button. This is the same for many social media apps. Although, if you’re wondering “how to message someone on Twitter who doesn’t follow you”, it’s a bit different. X (formerly Twitter) will need to verify you first.

There are many reasons why someone might want to send a private message to an Instagram account they don’t follow. Maybe they’re sending in a business inquiry or doing influencer outreach for a potential collaboration. Or perhaps you’re reaching out to a user you have shared interests with and want to befriend them. Luckily, it’s easy to do all these because Instagram allows everyone to message people regardless of who follows whom.

The only way you won’t be able to message someone is if they have a private account. In that case, you’ll need to send a follow request first. Once they approve your request and start following their page, then you can send your direct message to them.

How Do You Message People on Instagram Without Following Them?

Do you want to know exactly how to DM from Instagram even if you haven’t hit that “Follow” button? Here’s how to message someone on Instagram without following them, step by step:

1. Open your Instagram app.

2. Click the magnifying glass icon on the bottom row of the home screen. This will lead you to the Instagram Explore page.

3. Tap on the Search bar at the top of the screen.

4. Search for the name of the Instagram account you don’t follow but want to message. When you see the right account pop up in the options list, click on it to go to their page.

5. Tap the gray Message button. It should be right below their bio, to the right of the blue Follow button.

6. Compose your message to them in the chat, and then hit Send. Easy peasy!

How Can I Message Someone on Instagram Who Doesn’t Follow Me?

So yes, you can definitely message someone whose page you don’t follow yet. But does it work in reverse, too? How do I DM on Instagram if the user doesn’t follow me? Yes, you can also message users who don’t follow you. People often assume that this isn’t possible, but it is. Just follow the same steps as above to get to the private chat with any user who doesn’t follow you.

However, there is a catch. Instead of your private message popping up instantly in their Instagram inbox, it stays first in the message requests folder. This folder contains all DMs sent by people you don’t follow. It’s Instagram’s way of maintaining people’s privacy online. The recipient of your message can then choose to accept or decline your message request.

Do you want to see your message settings to control how you accept message requests? Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to your Instagram profile and click on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.

2. Click Settings and Privacy.

3. Scroll down to the “How others interact with you” section. Then, hit Messages and Story Replies.

4. Click Message controls on the next page.

5. From there, you can select whether you can receive message requests from potential connections and other random people.

What Happens After Someone Approves Your Message Request?

The person you sent a DM to has finally approved your message request. What happens now? How can you message on Instagram with this person? Firstly, your chat moves from the message requests folder to that person’s direct inbox. That means it shows up along with every other important conversation they have on the platform.

The Instagram app will also start sending notifications to that user every time you message them. Most times, the app doesn’t notify users when they receive message requests, as it deems them potentially irrelevant. But now that your chat is in the inbox, the user you’re messaging will see notifications. That means you’ll have an easier time communicating with them online in real time!

When your chat moves out of the requests folder, you’ll also start seeing when the other user reads your messages. When a DM is sent as a message request, you won’t be able to see the “Seen” label. This is another way the app protects people from unwanted messages from overeager strangers or stalkers. However, once the message becomes a regular DM in the inbox, this feature will become available.

How To DM Someone on Instagram if They’ve Blocked You

If you’re looking for how to DM Instagram users who have blocked you, you’re out of luck. Instagram’s block feature is amazing for setting boundaries on the platform. It ensures everyone’s privacy and safety online, especially when there are specific users you don’t want to hear from. 

But if you’re still asking, “How can you direct message on Instagram if someone has blocked you?” No, Instagram won’t allow you to message someone on the platform if they’ve blocked you. After blocking someone on Instagram, they won’t have access to your profile anymore. Even if they search you on the Explore page, they won’t see your name come up in the results. And because they won’t be able to see your page, they can’t send you a direct message either.

How To Direct Message on Instagram if Someone Restricted Me?

The question “How can you message someone on Instagram who restricted you” is common. The answer is yes, you can still send messages to someone who has restricted you. It’s pretty much the same as messaging anyone else. 

Restricting is a lot milder and more subtle than blocking someone on the platform. When you restrict someone, you will hide their comments from your posts unless you choose to unhide them. But another perk is that they won’t see if you’re online. They also won’t know if you’ve opened or seen the messages they send.

DMs Are Awesome, but Don’t Forget About Your IG Content!

Learning how to message people on Instagram is a terrific way to socialize on the platform. Instagram technically allows you to send DMs to anyone. Remember that everything depends on a user’s message settings. But normally, you can usually message someone you don’t follow. It’s just that sometimes, they might end up in a message requests folder instead of going straight to their inbox.

Direct messaging is a great feature on Instagram, but don’t get stuck there. While sending and replying to DMs is an awesome way to engage your followers, posting high-quality content is more important. Now that you can answer, “Can you message someone on Instagram without following them?” it’s time to focus on content. If you need more help promoting your posts, Path Social is here for you.

Our team has worked for years to perfect an advanced, AI-powered algorithm to ensure your content reaches the right people. We help you identify your niche audience. Then, we promote your posts to make sure they see it. This boosts your visibility on Instagram, leading to more followers constantly engaging with your posts. Grow your page with Path Social today!

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