# Instagram Overview
Instagram is a free, online photo-sharing application and social network platform that was acquired by Facebook in 2012. Learn how to [connect your Instagram Business Account to respond.io here](https://docs.is-messenger.com/ismessenger/messaging-channels/instagram/instagram-quick-start). Once connected, Instagram has several features to make it easier for your current and potential customers to reach your Instagram account or your inbox to send you a direct message. ### Pricing You can use Instagram for free. ### Capturing Conversation Instagram offers several ways to help customers find you on the app and initiate a chat: * [Chat links](https://docs.is-messenger.com/ismessenger/getting-started/quick-start/getting-contacts-to-message-you): This is a shortened URL using the `https://ig.me/m/username` format that you can add to your website or in newsletters. When customers click the link, they will be directed to your Instagram inbox. * [QR codes](https://docs.is-messenger.com/ismessenger/getting-started/quick-start/getting-contacts-to-message-you): A QR code can be placed in physical locations, such as hotels, restaurants or malls. When customers scan the code, they will be directed to your Instagram inbox. * [Chat widget](https://docs.is-messenger.com/ismessenger/workspace-setting): An Instagram Widget can be added to your website to direct customers to your Instagram inbox. * [Instagram private replies](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/messenger-platform/instagram/features/private-replies/): You can send a private message to any customer who comments on your Instagram Professional post, ads post or live story. * Click to Instagram Direct Ads: These are Instagram ads that can be placed in various places on Facebook, Facebook Messenger and Instagram. When customers click the ad, they will be directed to your Instagram inbox. ### Channel Capabilities Learn more about the capabilities of Instagram: * [Supported File Types](https://help.respond.io/instagram/instagram-overview#supported_file_types) * [Message Status Availability](https://help.respond.io/instagram/instagram-overview#message_status_availability) * [Messaging Window](https://help.respond.io/instagram/instagram-overview#messaging_window) * [Rate Limits](https://help.respond.io/instagram/instagram-overview#rate_limits) **Supported File Types** The file type supported by Instagram and the maximum file size for the type is as follows: * Image (8 MB) {% hint style="warning" %} Messages that are not supported will have a fallback display with Unsupported Message or Custom Payload text and Type (if available). \ \ For any unsupported file type or file that exceeds the maximum file size sent via Instagram, the file will automatically be turned into a URL link on the respond.io platform. For Custom Payload, you can click S*how More* to view the JSON payload of this message.\ \ Examples of unsupported messages for Instagram are:\ \- Deleted messages\ \- Instagram Profiles\ \- Instagram Avatars\ \- Live messages\ \- Reels {% endhint %} ### **Message Status Availability** The table outlines the availability of message statuses on Instagram. | **Message Status** | **Availability** | | ------------------ | ---------------- | | Sent | ✅ | | Delivered | ✅ | | Read | ✅ | | Failed | ✅ | ### **Messaging Window** Instagram has a messaging window of 7 days. Messages sent 24 hours after the Contact's last message will be tagged with the HUMAN\_AGENT tag. Messages can still be sent outside the messaging window but they will not be delivered. There will be a red exclamation mark next to the undelivered message along with an error message. {% hint style="warning" %} Messages can still be sent outside the messaging window but they will not be delivered. There will be a red exclamation mark next to the undelivered message along with an error message. {% endhint %} ### **Rate Limits** A rate limit is the number of API calls an app or user can make within a given time period defined by the channel. Learn more about the [rate limits for this channel here](https://developers.facebook.com/micro_site/url/?click_from_context_menu=true\&country=MY\&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fdevelopers.facebook.com%2Fdocs%2Fmessenger-platform%2Foverview%23rate-limiting\&event_type=click\&last_nav_impression_id=1PTL98UV9qetN5ywu\&max_percent_page_viewed=80\&max_viewport_height_px=688\&max_viewport_width_px=1440\&orig_http_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fdevelopers.facebook.com%2Fdocs%2Fmessenger-platform%2Finstagram%2Ffeatures%2Fprivate-replies%2F\&orig_request_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fdevelopers.facebook.com%2Fajax%2Fdocs%2Fnav%2F%3Fpath1%3Dmessenger-platform%26path2%3Dinstagram%26path3%3Dfeatures%26path4%3Dprivate-replies\®ion=apac\&scrolled=true\&session_id=1V2YJR9cXKzXnMyY1\&site=developers). ### Channel Limitations **Broadcasts** Due to Instagram’s limitations, you cannot send a broadcast through this channel. **Vanish Mode** Instagram API does not support Vanish mode. If you wish to use Vanish mode, no messages will be received on the respond.io platform. ### FAQ and Troubleshooting **Do you support message requests?** No, there is no webhook event provided by Instagram for message requests. **Can I create a link to direct my customers to my Instagram inbox?** Yes, you can use a chat link or an `ig.me` URL that directs customers to your Instagram inbox. The customer is redirected to a new or existing thread based on whether the customer had previously messaged your Instagram account. Learn more about [Instagram chat links here](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/messenger-platform/instagram/features/ig-me-links/). **Why Contact’s name on Instagram is displayed as a series of numbers?** If your Contact has not entered a display name for their Instagram account, the name will be displayed as a series of numbers. **Why am I unable to view the Quick Replies buttons?** Due to the channel’s limitation, the Quick Replies buttons cannot be displayed on the Instagram web or desktop app.