What is Instagram’s Voice Message (and Can You Use it for Business?)

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Instagram is a platform that has changed the way we communicate and share our lives with each other. Instagram introduced Instagram voice messages last year – but what are they, how do they work, and can Instagram Voice Messages be used for business? Read on to find out!

What is Instagram Voice Message? 

Users can now exchange voice messages in Instagram Direct, along with text, photo, and GIF messaging.

To send a voice message in Direct, just tap the microphone icon next to the photo and GIF icons in the lower right corner of your DM conversation. Then just keep it pressed down for as long as you want to say something (up to a minute) and send it off. It’s ideal for things you don’t want writing or if you don’t have the ability to type a message.

Following the introduction of Close Friends, another Instagram feature that allows users to connect more easily and personally on the platform, this new capability for Direct Messages arrived as a new way for people to use the app to connect.

How to send a voice message on Instagram

You may use Instagram Direct to send voice notes. To check out all the messages you’ve sent and received using Instagram Direct, go to the top right corner of your feed and tap the arrow. You can see and edit all of your communications there.

To send a voice message:

• Open a conversation.
• Tap and hold mic and begin recording your message.
• Release your finger when you’re done recording to send the message.
• To cancel your message, continue holding the mic and move your finger to the trash.

To send a hands-free message:

• Open a conversation.
• Tap and hold mic and swipe up to the unlock.
• Release your finger while continuing to record.
• Tap to send your message or cancel by tapping the trash .

If you capture multiple messages in a row, they will be played back-to-back for the recipient.

How to use it for business

But how can you use this new feature as a business user? Are there positive ways to send voice messages to people?

Say thank you

If you are sending a message, start with saying thanks to the person. Thank them for sending you a message you are replying to, for sharing or commenting on your post or whatever else you are contacting them about.

Offer a genuine compliment or share something you have in common

This is when you may add more meaning to your message. Take a look at their most recent photographs and see if there’s anything you like or that speaks to you if their Instagram account isn’t private. You could even ask them a question to get people talking.

Don’t just say anything you can think of. For example, if they recently went to Italy and you’ve been there yourself, you might say, “I see that you’ve been to Italy! I went there a few years ago and especially loved spending time in Varenna near Lake Como. It’s such a lovely area”. Or compliment them on their photos or captions. Make some kind of personal connection.

Include a call-to-action (CTA)

Now, your message may be even more effective. If you’ve written a blog post or a podcast episode that your recipient might find interesting, direct them to it. Encourage them to go and leave a remark if you asked a question in the last Instagram caption of yours. If you run a newsletter, briefly inform them about it.

You don’t have to be pushy or demanding! All you need is a little encouragement.

Wish them a great day

End with a positive thank you and wish them a good day or something similar and you can start to make a new level of connection with your followers.

Tips for voice messages on Instagram

Remember, you have one minute. Keep your points as brief and to the point as possible. If you begin to run out of time, finish your sentence and then begin a new voice message (but please don’t send through several messages at once! Your recipient will probably become weary).

Don’t get too worked up if you stammer. I sent a voice message this morning, and I stumbled a few times. After making a joke about needing my morning coffee, I continued speaking. It’s fine if your words aren’t perfect!

Keep practising. The more voice messages you record, the better this talent will get. You may also attempt to compose down some dot points and practice recording your message using a voice recorder program (not Instagram, which does not currently produce “preview” messages).

Using Instagram’s voice message feature

Instagram voice messages are a great way to show appreciation and offer helpful advice. Use it sparingly to make new connections with your followers, other users or just to remind your friend where you are meeting tonight for a meal!