Instagram keeps adding exciting features to make chatting with friends more fun and interactive.
One of the most delightful features is the gift message option that turns your regular texts into surprise packages.
When you send a gift message, your text appears as a wrapped present that the recipient can tap to unwrap and reveal your message inside.
This feature adds a special touch to your conversations, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, sharing good news, or just wanting to make someone smile.
The gift message feature works in Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) and creates a memorable experience for both you and the person receiving your message.
Many Instagram users don’t know about this feature or aren’t sure how to send gift message on Instagram chat properly.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you master this fun feature. You’ll learn exactly how to use it, when it works best, and creative ways to make your messages more engaging.
Whether you’re new to Instagram or have been using it for years, this guide will help you discover new ways to connect with friends and family.
How to Send Gift Message on Instagram Chat?
Let’s explore how this simple feature can make your Instagram conversations more meaningful and enjoyable.
How to Send Gift Message on Instagram Chat? – Quick Answer
According to BulletinTechMedia, Tap the sticker icon, select “Gift” effect, and your message becomes a wrapped surprise.
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Gift Messages
Let’s walk through the entire process of creating and sending gift messages on Instagram. This detailed guide will help you master this feature quickly.
Getting Started with Instagram Direct Messages
Before you can send gift messages, you need to access Instagram’s messaging system. Here’s how:
- Open the Instagram app on your phone or tablet
- Look for the messenger icon in the top right corner (it looks like a paper airplane)
- Tap the icon to enter your Direct Messages area
- Choose an existing chat or start a new conversation
If you’re starting a new conversation, tap the “+” or “New Message” button, then search for the person’s username or select them from your followers list.
Creating Your Gift Message
Now comes the fun part – turning your regular message into a gift:
- Type your message in the text field at the bottom of the chat
- Keep it interesting – remember, this will be a surprise when unwrapped
- Don’t send the message yet – we need to add the gift effect first
Adding the Gift Effect
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Look for the sticker icon next to your message (it usually looks like a smiley face or sticker symbol)
- Tap the sticker icon to open the effects menu
- Scroll through the options until you find the “Gift” effect
- Select the Gift option – your message will now appear wrapped like a present
- Tap Send to deliver your gift message
What Happens Next
When your friend receives the message:
- They’ll see a wrapped gift icon instead of your text
- Tapping the gift will trigger an unwrapping animation
- Your original message appears with a special effect
- The conversation becomes more interactive and fun
Smart Tips for Using Gift Messages Effectively
Making the most of Instagram’s gift message feature requires some strategic thinking. Here are proven tips to enhance your messaging experience.
Choose the Right Moments
| Best Times to Use Gift Messages | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Birthdays and Anniversaries | Creates excitement and shows you care |
| Congratulations Messages | Makes achievements feel more special |
| Surprise Announcements | Builds suspense before revealing news |
| Apology Messages | Shows extra effort to make things right |
| Random Acts of Kindness | Brightens someone’s day unexpectedly |
Message Content Ideas
- Personal compliments – “You looked amazing today!”
- Inside jokes – References only you two understand
- Plans – “Want to grab coffee tomorrow?”
- Encouraging words – “You’ve got this!”
- Sweet memories – “Remember when we…”
Creative Message Strategies
- Build Suspense: Start with messages like “I have something to tell you…” before sending the actual gift message. This creates anticipation and makes the reveal more exciting.
- Combine with Other Features: Use gift messages alongside Instagram’s other interactive features like polls, reactions, and voice messages to create varied conversation experiences.
- Timing Matters: Send gift messages when the person is likely to be online. The immediate interaction makes the experience more engaging than discovering it hours later.
Why Instagram’s Gift Message Feature Is Worth Using?
Understanding the benefits of gift messages helps you appreciate why this feature has become so popular among Instagram users worldwide.
Enhanced Communication Experience
Traditional text messages can feel flat and impersonal. Gift messages add a visual and interactive element that makes digital communication feel more like real-life interactions. When someone receives a wrapped message, they experience:
- Curiosity about what’s inside
- Excitement from the unwrapping process
- Joy from the surprise element
- Connection through the extra effort shown
Building Stronger Relationships
Gift messages demonstrate thoughtfulness beyond regular texting. They show you took extra time to make your message special. This small gesture can:
- Strengthen friendships through creative communication
- Show romantic interest in a playful, non-threatening way
- Improve family connections with fun interactions
- Make professional relationships more memorable (when appropriate)
Standing Out in Crowded Message Lists
With people receiving dozens of messages daily, gift messages help yours get noticed. They create visual interest in the chat list and encourage immediate interaction rather than being saved for later.
Encouraging Active Engagement
Unlike regular messages that people might read and ignore, gift messages require interaction. Recipients must tap to unwrap them, which means they’re actively engaging with your content rather than passively consuming it.
Advanced Techniques for Gift Message Success
Once you understand the basics of how to send gift message on instagram chat, these advanced strategies will help you become a messaging expert.
Message Sequencing
Create multi-message experiences by sending several gift messages in sequence:
- Message 1: “I have three things to tell you…”
- Message 2: “First, you’re an amazing friend…”
- Message 3: “Second, I appreciate everything you do…”
- Message 4: “Third, want to celebrate with dinner tonight?”
Combining Text and Visual Elements
While the gift message handles text, you can enhance the experience by:
- Sending relevant photos before or after the gift message
- Using Instagram Stories to build up to the gift message
- Following up with video messages to continue the conversation
Understanding Platform Limitations
Important considerations when using gift messages:
- Not available on all devices – some older phones might not support this feature
- Instagram updates can temporarily affect feature availability
- Network connections might impact the unwrapping animation quality
Troubleshooting Common Gift Message Issues
Problem-solving guide for when gift messages don’t work as expected:
Gift Option Not Appearing
- Update Instagram to the latest version
- Restart the app and try again
- Check your internet connection
- Log out and log back in
Animation Not Working Properly
- Close other apps to free up device memory
- Check device storage – low space can cause issues
- Try switching between WiFi and mobile data
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I send gift messages to anyone on Instagram?
You can send gift messages to anyone you can direct message on Instagram. This includes your followers, people who follow you back, and accounts with open message settings. However, if someone has restricted messaging from unknown accounts, you’ll need them to accept your message request first.
- Do gift messages work in group chats?
Yes! Gift messages work perfectly in group chats and can add fun to group conversations. Everyone in the group can see the wrapped message, but only the first person to tap it will trigger the unwrapping animation for everyone.
- Can I delete a gift message after sending it?
Like regular Instagram messages, you can delete gift messages by holding down on the message and selecting “Unsend.” However, if the recipient has already unwrapped the message, they’ve seen the content even if you delete it afterward.
- Are gift messages available on Instagram Web?
Gift messages are primarily designed for mobile devices. While you can view received gift messages on Instagram Web, creating and sending new gift messages works best through the mobile app experience.
- Do gift messages notify the recipient differently?
Gift messages send standard Instagram message notifications. The recipient won’t know it’s a gift message until they open the chat and see the wrapped present icon.
- Can I customize the gift wrapping appearance?
Currently, Instagram offers one standard gift wrapping design. You cannot customize colors, patterns, or wrapping styles. The focus is on the message content rather than wrapping customization.
- Is there a limit to gift message length?
Gift messages follow standard Instagram message limits. Very long messages might not display properly within the gift format, so keeping messages concise and impactful works best.
- Do gift messages work with message reactions?
Recipients can add reactions to gift messages just like regular messages. However, they need to unwrap the message first before the reaction options become available.
Conclusion:
Learning how to send gift message on instagram chat opens up exciting possibilities for making your conversations more engaging and memorable.
This simple feature transforms ordinary text messages into interactive experiences that show extra thought and care.
Whether you’re celebrating special occasions, sharing exciting news, or just wanting to brighten someone’s day, gift messages provide a creative way to stand out in crowded message lists.
The unwrapping animation creates a moment of anticipation and joy that regular messages simply cannot match.
Remember that the best gift messages come from genuine intentions rather than trying to use the feature constantly.
Use gift messages strategically for moments when you want to create a special impression or add excitement to your communication.
As Instagram continues evolving its messaging features, staying updated with new options will help you maintain engaging conversations with friends, family, and followers.
The gift message feature represents Instagram’s commitment to making digital communication more personal and interactive.
Start experimenting with gift messages today, and discover how this simple feature can transform your Instagram conversations from ordinary exchanges into memorable experiences that strengthen your relationships and bring more joy to digital communication.
Helpful Resources:
- Instagram Help Center: https://help.instagram.com
- Instagram Community Guidelines: https://www.facebook.com/help/instagram
- Digital Communication Best Practices: https://www.commonsensemedia.org
