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What is Instagram Direct
Direct is an integrated messenger of Instagram*, available in both mobile and web versions. It allows users to exchange messages, share media files, create group chats, and even conduct audio and video calls. Direct was first introduced in December 2013, opening up new opportunities for users who previously could only communicate in comments under posts. This limitation affected the privacy of communication, leading many users to turn to third-party messengers for more personal conversations. The introduction of Direct helped Instagram* retain users in the app, increasing their time spent on it.
Types of Chats in Direct
Chats in Direct are divided into three main categories:
- Primary: These are chats that the user has started themselves or those they are subscribed to. Here, the "Filter" button can be used to view unread or unanswered messages.
- General: This section contains chats whose notifications are no longer of interest to the user. However, the ability to send and receive messages remains. To move a chat, simply swipe it left and select the corresponding option.
- Requests: This is where messages from users you are not subscribed to end up. Opening such messages does not notify the sender, and you can accept the request, decline it, or report it as spam. Chats are displayed in chronological order, but Instagram* offers the option to sort them by relevance.
Features of Direct
Instagram* Direct provides a range of features that make communication more convenient and efficient:
- Text Messages: Ability to send messages in regular or disappearing mode.
- Media Files: Users can share photos and videos, both from the gallery and taken within the app.
- Voice Messages: Recording audio messages up to one minute long.
- Stickers and Reactions: Reacting to messages with emojis and sending selfie stickers.
- Audio and Video Calls: The video call feature was introduced in 2018.
- Group Chats: Ability to create groups for communication with multiple people at once.
- Auto-Translator: A built-in tool for automatic translation of messages.
Using Direct for Business
Instagram* has become a powerful platform for business, attracting over 2.4 billion active users, 61% of whom are in the age group of 18-34. Despite the blocking of Instagram* in Russia, many companies continue to use it to promote their goods and services, and Direct is an important tool in this process.
Here are a few ways to use Direct for business purposes:
- Customer Service: Responding to customer inquiries and promptly addressing complaints. Creating message templates can significantly simplify this process.
- Marketing Communications: Using the API to manage messages and create chatbots. This allows for the automation of dialogues and the sending of promotional offers, discounts, and other information.