How to translate a message in Instagram DMs
If you've ever gotten a direct message on Instagram in a language you don't speak very well, it can be annoying to have to copy the text, open a browser, head to translate.google.com and translate the message, all to just return to the original app and respond. But an Instagram feature released in February allows users to translate messages right in the DM — and it's pretty simple.
"Staying connected with friends and family around the world just got easier. With Instagram’s new message translation feature, you can effortlessly communicate around the globe without worrying about a language barrier," Instagram wrote in a press release about the feature. "Whether you’re catching up with your cousins in Korea or your BFF abroad in Spain – you can translate their messages directly within your DMs, helping you stay close to your loved ones even when you’re apart."
Here's how to translate a message within Instagram DMs.
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- 1 min
- phone
- Instagram app
Step 1: Hold down on the message you want to translate
Hard press on the message you want to translate, and a few options will show up. This includes "reply," "forward," "copy," make AI image," "translate," "pin," "delete for you," and "report."
Step 2: Click "translate"
When you click "translate," a message will pop up on your first attempt. The message reads "read messages in your preferred language," and, under that, it says "Text from messages you translate will be shared with Meta to provide translations." This will only pop up the first time you attempt to translate a message. If you wish to continue with the translation, click "OK."
Step 3: See your translated message
After you click translate, the translated message will show in the message section underneath the original message. For instance, if your friend sent you the Spanish Bad Bunny lyric "debí tirar más fotos," it will show "should have taken more pictures" underneath.
The feature isn't yet available on desktop, but it is available for Instagram on iOS and Android.
Topics Instagram
Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.
Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.
