Instagram Messages: Explained – The Plus Sign Icon
Instagram is one of the most used social media apps today, with millions of people sharing photos, videos, and stories every day. While most people enjoy the app for posting and connecting with friends, a big part of Instagram is its Direct Messages (DMs). Over time, Instagram has added many small icons and features in the messaging section to make conversations more interactive.
One of these features that often confuses people is the plus sign icon in Instagram messages. Many users wonder what it means, why it appears, and whether it changes the way their messages work. If you’ve also noticed this sign and want to understand it better, this article will explain everything in simple words.
Why Instagram Uses Icons in Messages
Before talking about the plus sign, let’s take a quick look at why Instagram uses so many small symbols in the first place. The platform relies heavily on visual signs to help users understand what is happening in their chats. For example:
- A circle with a check mark means your message has been sent.
- A filled-in circle with a check mark shows that the message was delivered.
- A small profile picture under the message means the other person has seen it.
These simple icons are easier to understand than text notifications. Instead of writing “delivered” or “seen,” Instagram uses quick symbols. They save space and make the chat screen look cleaner.
The plus sign is just one of these helpful icons, created to give users quick access to extra options.
What the Plus Sign Icon Means in Instagram Messages
When you see the plus sign next to your messages, it usually means that Instagram is offering you additional features in your chat. In most cases, it allows you to add something new inside the conversation. For example, you might be able to:
- Create a group chat.
- Share posts, reels, or stories directly in the chat.
- Add stickers, GIFs, or polls.
The plus sign is basically a shortcut. Instead of searching through menus, you can tap on it to bring up tools you might want to use while chatting.
It’s important to note that this is not the same as the plus button you see on your Instagram home screen, which is used for creating new posts, reels, or stories. The plus sign in messages is only related to DMs and helps you enhance your conversations.
Purpose of the Plus Sign Feature
Instagram added the plus sign to improve the way people use direct messages. Since more people now prefer chatting privately rather than posting publicly, Instagram wants to make DMs more engaging.
Here are some key purposes of the plus sign:
- Convenience: It gives you quick access to chat tools without leaving the conversation.
- Interaction: It allows you to share media, stickers, or other creative elements instantly.
- Organization: If you want to start a group or manage different chats, the plus sign can help.
Overall, it makes messaging faster and more fun.
FAQs About the Plus Sign Icon
Since many users are curious, here are answers to some common questions about the plus sign icon in Instagram messages.
- Why do I see the plus sign but my friends don’t?
Instagram often tests new features with small groups before releasing them to everyone. If you see the plus sign, you might be part of a test group. - Does the plus sign mean I have unread messages?
No. The plus sign is not linked to new or unread messages. It only shows that extra features are available in your chat. - Can I hide or remove the plus sign?
Currently, Instagram does not allow users to turn it off. If you don’t want to use it, you can simply ignore it. Your messages will still work as usual. - Is the plus sign a permanent feature?
That depends. Sometimes Instagram keeps new features permanently, and other times it removes them after testing. If the plus sign disappears from your app, it may mean Instagram decided to update it or replace it with something else. - Is it the same as the Plus Sign on Instagram home screen?
Not exactly. The plus sign in your home screen is used for creating posts, while the one in messages is focused only on chat features.
Troubleshooting and Tips
In some cases, users may face issues with the plus sign, such as it not working properly or showing up unexpectedly. Here are a few tips to handle such situations:
- Update your app: Always make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version.
- Restart your phone: A simple restart often clears small bugs.
- Clear the app cache: On Android, clearing the cache can fix display problems.
- Reinstall the app: If the plus sign still doesn’t work correctly, uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram usually solves the problem.
If none of these steps work, it may simply be that the feature is being tested or temporarily removed by Instagram.
Conclusion
The plus sign in Instagram messages is not something to worry about. It is simply a shortcut that allows you to use extra features in your chats, such as sharing posts, creating groups, or adding fun elements like stickers and GIFs.
Unlike other icons that show delivery or seen status, the plus sign is designed to make conversations smoother and more interactive. While not everyone may see it at the same time, it’s a normal part of Instagram’s effort to improve its messaging system.
So the next time you notice this symbol, remember that it’s just Instagram giving you more options. Whether it stays forever or changes into a new feature later, it’s all part of the app’s way of keeping things fresh and useful.