Instagram Testing Direct Messages For Browsers

Although Instagram has always been a mobile-focused app, in recent years the team has shown more attention to the web version of the photo-sharing service.

Instagram is currently testing its direct message feature for the web on mobile and desktop platforms. High-profile app researcher Jane Manchun Wong tweeted a screenshot of the feature, revealing the news.

Currently, the Facebook-owned company is conducting internal testing of private messaging for its website desktop experience. On the Instagram app, there is a minimal version that shows little more than the feed, but there’s still no direct way to upload photos, and the service is slow to add new features.

Browser notification support was added only last September, and some features, like the ability to upload stories, are restricted to the mobile app and mobile web only.

Instagram has stated, however, that it has “no plans to let users upload photos or stories from the desktop.” Direct messages coming to the web would be a huge step forward for the previously mobile-only app.

If direct messages on the web go live, not only would it be a huge step for the previously mobile-only app, but the company will have a better chance of becoming the messaging service of choice for its community.

By: Maytinee Kramer