Instagram added a feature allowing users to create custom emoji reactions and use them when responding. Yet many aren’t aware of this update, let alone know how to react to messages on Instagram.
This was done further to expand Facebook’s cross-platform messaging system to Instagram, a platform Facebook acquired in 2012. Facebook improved the messaging experience on Instagram by adding many of Messenger’s features to it. Before this update, Instagram users could only react to DMs by double-tapping on a message and only using the heart emoji. But now, we can all customize the emojis we use to react to messages on Instagram.
Emoji reactions are well-favored by most of us. Sometimes, an appropriate emoji can convey our message better than words. We all have these small icons on our cell phone keyboards that add a layer of fun and entertainment to our daily online conversations.
How to react to Instagram messages with emojis?
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your phone.
Step 2: Click the chat icon shown in the top right corner of the screen.
A list of friends will populate. You may start a conversation with anyone.
Step 3: Enter into a conversation of your choice.
Step 4: Long press a message to react with an emoji. An emoji bar will appear with a plus (+) icon.
Step 5: Tap on the plus icon to see all emojis. You also get a search bar to find your favorite emoji. Type the name of the emoji, and it will appear like a charm.
Step 6: Tap on one emoji to react to an Instagram message.
Now, the tapped emoji appears below the Instagram message.
How to Customize Instagram Emoji Reactions?
Many emojis are available on our cell phone keyboards, but we rarely use more than 20 of them. The same goes with using them on Instagram to react to messages.
So that’s why you should customize your emoji reactions to save yourself from searching for them every time. To personalize the Instagram emoji reactions list:
- Tap and hold on a DM
- From the emoji list that pops on your screen, tap on the plus ‘+’ icon
- Add emoji and customize the list as you prefer
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Can you remove quick reactions on Instagram?
Yes, you can delete Instagram emoji reactions for direct messages. Here are some simple steps that can help remove reactions on Instagram.
Step 1: Tap on the reaction icon to a message.
Step 2: You’ll see your photo and your reaction.
Step 3: Under your name, notice the message ‘Tap to remove.’
Step 4: You can remove your reaction by tapping on this message.
How do change reactions on Instagram?
Step 1: Long press a message in a conversation.
Step 2: Search for a reaction after clicking on the plus (+) icon.
Step 3: Tap an emoji to react to this message.
The new emoji appears under the same message, and the previous reaction disappears.
Why can’t I react to messages on Instagram?
A few users may not send reactions to direct messages on Instagram with emojis because they didn’t update their Instagram app to the latest version. Try to update the Instagram app first, and check if you get the option to react to Instagram messages with emojis.
If you still do not have the option, delete your existing app and install the Instagram app from App Store or Google Play Store.
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Bottom Line
Using emojis makes it easier to communicate with other people. They bring a new level of excitement to our online experience. Reacting to a particular message on Instagram is relatively easy. All you have to do is tap and hold the message, and you’ll see a list of six emojis to choose from as your reaction. You can either tap the emoji to send a quick reaction or tap and hold them to increase the intensity of the reaction. This feature has been borrowed as it is from Facebook’s Messenger.
