How to React to Messages on Instagram with Emojis

Instagram comes with many hidden features that users are not aware of. One such feature is the ability to react to Instagram messages using emojis.

It is a quick and fun way of expressing your emotions and adding a personal touch to your responses in Instagram direct messages. Emojis are sometimes the best way to convey your messages than texts.

When using this feature, Instagram displays a set of default emojis that you can use to react to messages such as the laughing or smiling emoji. They call this “super react”. You can also select custom emojis to use instead of the default ones.

In this article, you’ll learn how to react to messages on Instagram with emojis, how to use custom emojis, and what to do if you cannot use this feature.

Table of Contents

How to React to Instagram Messages with Emojis

1. Update Instagram to the latest version

Instagram introduced this feature in an update released back in September of 2020. Therefore, the first thing to do is update the Instagram app to ensure that you’re on the latest version and have access to the Emoji Reaction feature.

2. Open a chat in Instagram Direct Messages

Go to the home tab on Instagram, then tap the messenger icon in the top right corner. This opens your chats list and displays all the conversations that you’re having.

Find and open a conversation where you want to react with emojis.

3. Tap and hold on to a message to react with emoji

On the conversation screen, tap and hold a message that you want to react to. A horizontal popup appears with emoji icons. Select the emoji reaction that you want to use.

Instagram will now add your emoji reaction to the bottom of the respective message. The recipient can also view your reaction.

Why can’t I react to Instagram messages?

If you cannot react to Instagram messages using Emojis, then chances are that you haven’t updated your Instagram messaging to use the new features. Here’s how to update it.

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile page.

2. Tap the menu icon in the top right corner, then select Settings.

3. At the top of the Settings page, there will be an option labeled Update messaging. Tap on it.

4. Press the Update button.

The new Instagram messaging experience will become available for your account and you will have access to the emoji reactions.

How to Use custom emojis for Instagram reactions?

Customizing the emoji reactions is very easy. When you tap and hold on to a message to view the available emojis, there will be a plus icon. Tap on it and the emoji keyboard will be displayed.

Press the Customize button, then tap an emoji reaction that you want to replace and choose the new emoji to replace it with. Press the Done button to complete the customization.

FAQ

How do I change my reactions on Instagram?

To change your Instagram reactions, go to a chat and tap and hold on to a message to view the reactions. Tap on the “+” icon, then select “Customize”. Choose the emoji that you want to change, then select the new emoji to replace it with.

How do I turn on emoji reactions on Instagram?

Turning on emoji reactions on Instagram is quite easy. Go to your profile, press the menu icon on the top left side, and select “Settings”. At the top of the settings screen, you’ll find an option called “Update messaging”. Tap on it to perform the update and enable emoji reactions in Instagram conversations.

Can you react to Instagram messages on a computer?

Yes, you can react to Instagram messages with emojis on PC. Simply hover your mouse over a message and an emoji icon will appear next to it. Click on it and select an emoji that you want to react with.

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