How to Reply in Instagram Chat Like WhatsApp
By Kushagra Kumar, founder of Shre. Updated 1 July 2026.
If you are used to WhatsApp, you probably swipe on a message to quote and reply to it. Instagram has a very similar feature, so you can respond to a specific message in a busy chat without confusing anyone about what you are answering.
This guide shows how to use swipe-to-reply and quote replies in Instagram Direct, plus other quick ways to respond, and how businesses automate replies when the volume gets high.
Instagram supports WhatsApp-style replies. In a Direct chat, swipe right on a message (or press and hold it and choose Reply) to quote that specific message in your response. You can also double-tap to like a message or press and hold to react with an emoji.
Swipe to reply, just like WhatsApp
Instagram Direct lets you reply to one specific message so the other person sees exactly what you are responding to, which is useful in fast or group conversations.
- Open the conversation in Direct.
- Swipe right on the message you want to answer.
- The message appears quoted above your text box.
- Type your reply and send it.
If swiping does not trigger it in your version, press and hold the message and choose Reply from the menu instead. Both routes produce the same quoted reply.
React, like, and quick responses
Not every reply needs words. Instagram borrows several quick-response ideas that WhatsApp users will recognize.
- Double-tap a message to like it with a heart.
- Press and hold a message to open an emoji reaction bar, then tap a reaction.
- Use the suggested quick replies that sometimes appear above the keyboard.
These are fast ways to acknowledge a message without starting a full reply, which keeps a chat moving.
Saved replies for businesses
If you run a business or creator account, Instagram offers saved replies, which are canned messages you can insert with a shortcut instead of typing the same answer repeatedly. You set them up in your professional account settings, give each one a shortcut word, and pull them into a chat when needed. This is not the same as WhatsApp Business quick replies, but the idea is identical: answer common questions faster.
Reply automatically when volume is high
Manual replies, even with shortcuts, only scale so far. When a post takes off or you get the same question dozens of times a day, automation keeps response times low. An auto reply system watches for messages or comments and answers instantly, around the clock.
Shre does this on the official Instagram API without logging into your account. It can send a direct message the moment someone comments a keyword, and reply to incoming DMs with a chatbot flow. If that sounds useful, start with Instagram auto reply and the Instagram DM bot. For a lighter touch, story reply automation answers people who respond to your stories.
A quick etiquette note
Quote replies are powerful, but you do not need to quote every single message. In a one-on-one chat a normal reply is usually clearer. Save the swipe-to-reply for group chats, or for when you are jumping back to something said earlier, so the quote actually adds context rather than clutter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reply to a specific message on Instagram?
Swipe right on the message, or press and hold it and choose Reply. The message is quoted above your text box so your response is clearly attached to it.
Does Instagram have swipe-to-reply like WhatsApp?
Yes. Swiping right on a message in Direct quotes it for your reply in most app versions. If swiping does not work, use press and hold, then Reply.
Can I react to a message with an emoji?
Yes. Press and hold a message to open the reaction bar, then tap an emoji. You can also double-tap a message to like it with a heart.
What are saved replies on Instagram?
Saved replies are canned messages for professional accounts. You create them with a shortcut word and insert them into a chat to answer common questions quickly.
Related
Source and reference: Instagram Platform, Meta for Developers. Shre sends messages through the official Instagram Graph API within Instagram's rules.