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What is a DM?

DM is another abbreviation that is used on most social media platforms. It’s one that you’ve probably run into before and maybe thought to yourself “what does DM even mean?” 

Find out what the abbreviation really stands for and how to use it in this blog post!

DM

The abbreviation “DM” became popular most popular on Facebook and Twitter. Oftentimes, you’ll see someone say “DM me,” which is basically just another way of saying contact me directly instead of communicating in front of all of the other users on this app. 

We’ll go through what DM really means and some of the ways you can DM others on different platforms. Let’s start with the definition of DM.

 

What does DM Mean?

Direct Message (DM) is a private form of communication you can have with others on most social media platforms. Only you and whoever you are communicating with via DM will be able to see the messages.

DM

Another abbreviation you might see instead of DM is PM, which means private message. It means the same exact thing, it’s just another name for it. 

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, etc. all offer users the option to DM others within the app. We’ll go through each one and share how to approach DM’ing someone. 

 

How to DM on Instagram

Here’s how to send a direct message on Instagram:

  • Open the Instagram app. 
  • Click the arrow in the top right-hand corner of your screen. 
  • Click the box with a pencil on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
  • Type in the username to who you want to send a DM.
  • Click “Chat” in the top right-hand corner. 
  • Type in your message and hit “Send.”

IG DM

 

 

If you aren’t friends with someone on Instagram, their name might not appear when you type it in, but that’s alright. Just search for their name in the search bar menu, go to their profile, and click “Message.” This will bring you to the same screen as it would if you used the above steps.

 

How to DM on Facebook

Here’s how to send a direct message on Facebook:

  • Download the Facebook messenger app if you don’t already have it. 
  • Open the Facebook messenger app. 
  • Click the box with a pencil on the top right-hand corner of your screen. 
  • Type in the name of who you want to send a DM. 
  • Type in the message you want to send and click the arrow to the right of your screen. 

Facebook DM

Facebook doesn’t make you be friends with someone to message them, but if you’re not, there’s a chance the other person won’t be notified of your message because Facebook might label it as spam. 

 

How to DM on Twitter

Heres’ how to send a direct message on Twitter:

  • Open the Twitter app. 
  • Click the envelope in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
  • Click the envelope with a “+” on it or click “write a message.”
  • Type in the username of the person you want to send a direct message to.
  • Write out your message and click the arrow next to your message to send. 

Twitter DM

Twitter DM

 

How to DM on TikTok

Here’s how to send a direct message on TikTok:

  • Open the TikTok app.
  • Click “Inbox” on the bottom of your screen.
  • Click the box that has a pencil in it on the top right-hand corner of your screen. 
  • Select or type in the name of the person you want to send a direct message to. 
  • Write out your message and click the arrow next to your message to send. 

TikTok DM

 

 

TikTok doesn’t let you DM someone this way if you aren’t friends with one another. Do this instead if you want to send a direct message to someone who you aren’t friends with:

  • Open the TikTok app. 
  • Click the magnifying glass icon in the top right-hand corner of your screen.
  • Search for whoever you want to send a direct message to. 
  • Click on their profile. 
  • Tap the three dots in the top right-hand corner of your screen.
  • Select the envelope icon that’s labeled as “Send message.”
  • Write out your message and click the arrow next to your message to send. 

 

TikTok DM

 

TikTok DM

 

 

 

 

Conclusion 

Direct messaging on certain platforms can be a very helpful tool to get in contact with others. Influencers are a great example of who to send a DM to next time you’re wondering where their favorite restaurant is or if they have any recommendations. 

Choose any of the above social media platforms and try sending a DM!

Written by Lucia Summa

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