DM stands for "Direct Message" — Instagram's private messaging feature for text, photos, videos, and voice notes.
Common DM Phrases
"DM me" — Send me a private message
"Slide into the DMs" — Send a flirty first message to someone
"My DMs are open" — Anyone can message me
"DM for collab" — Message me about partnerships
How to Send a DM
Tap the messenger icon (top right)
Tap compose (pencil icon)
Search for the person and send
What Does "Slide into DMs" Mean?
Sending a direct message to someone you're interested in without prior connection. The phrase implies a smooth, confident move.
FAQ
Can you DM someone who doesn't follow you? Yes, but it goes to Message Requests.
Can you unsend a DM? Yes — long-press and tap "Unsend."
Editorial transparency: This article was drafted with AI assistance using IQ Hashtags' internal platform data and research,
then reviewed and edited for accuracy by Ewa Suwińska,
Editorial Lead at IQ Hashtags. Last reviewed: 2026-06-06.
Learn about our editorial process →
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