Can I use Instagram Direct to send messages to people I’m not following?
Yes, you can send a message to anyone when you use Instagram Direct.
Keep in mind:
- If you send a message to someone who doesn’t follow you, it'll appear as a request in their inbox.
- If you send a message to someone who doesn't follow you but has added you to their close friends, your message will go directly to their inbox.
- If someone allows your message request, your future messages will go directly to their inbox.
Keep in mind that you can only send disappearing photos and videos to people who follow you or have already approved messages from you.