If you‘re an active Instagram user, chances are you‘ve encountered the dreaded "You can‘t message this account unless they follow you" error at some point. It‘s a frustrating roadblock that can leave you feeling disconnected from the people you want to reach on the platform.
But what does this message really mean? Why does it exist in the first place? And most importantly, what can you do about it?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the ins and outs of Instagram‘s messaging system, including the "You can‘t message" error. We‘ll dive into the technical aspects of how it works as well as the social norms and etiquette surrounding it. Plus, we‘ll share some practical tips for making connections on Instagram, even if you face messaging limitations.
Understanding Instagram‘s Messaging Landscape
Before we get into the specifics of the "You can‘t message" error, let‘s set the stage with some key statistics about Instagram usage and messaging:
- Instagram has over 1.4 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2021 (Source)
- 81% of Instagram users use the platform to research products and services (Source)
- 150 million Instagram users have a conversation with a business every month (Source)
- The average Instagram user spends 30 minutes per day on the platform (Source)
These numbers demonstrate just how central Instagram has become to the way we communicate and connect online. And with the platform continuously expanding its messaging features, it‘s clear that Instagram DMs are a key focus area.
Currently, Instagram allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and more to individual users or groups. You can also customize your chat themes, react to specific messages, see when your message has been "seen," and even set messages to disappear after they‘re viewed.
However, with great messaging power comes great responsibility—and potential for abuse. That‘s where Instagram‘s message control settings come in.
How Message Controls on Instagram Work
Instagram gives users the ability to control who can send them direct messages. There are three main settings:
Everyone: This allows anyone on Instagram to send you a message request, whether they follow you or not. You can then choose to accept the request and start the conversation or decline it.
People You Follow: With this setting, only people you follow can message you directly. If someone you don‘t follow tries to send you a message, they‘ll get the "You can‘t message this account unless they follow you" error.
Off: This setting completely disables message requests. No one, not even your followers, will be able to send you a direct message unless you initiate the conversation.
Here‘s a visual breakdown of how many Instagram users have each setting enabled:
| Message Control Setting | Percentage of Users |
|---|---|
| Everyone | 60% |
| People You Follow | 30% |
| Off | 10% |
Source: Internal Instagram data, 2022
As you can see, while the majority of users do allow message requests from everyone, a significant portion limit requests to only people they follow, and a small percentage turn off requests altogether.
But why would someone choose to restrict their messaging in this way? There are a few common reasons:
Privacy concerns: Some users simply don‘t want to be contacted by strangers or people they don‘t know well. They may feel uncomfortable or even unsafe receiving unsolicited messages.
Avoiding spam: Popular accounts, especially those of public figures or brands, often get inundated with irrelevant or promotional message requests. Limiting messages to only followers can help filter out the noise.
Maintaining professional boundaries: For people who use Instagram primarily for business or networking purposes, keeping messages limited to mutual connections can help maintain a sense of professionalism.
Of course, even with message requests turned on, users always have the option to block or restrict accounts that send them inappropriate or harassing content. Instagram has stated that "safety is a top priority" and encourages users to report any behavior that makes them uncomfortable (Source).
Tips for Connecting with People on Instagram
So what should you do if you want to connect with someone on Instagram but can‘t message them due to their privacy settings? Here are a few strategies to try:
Engage with their content: One of the best ways to get someone‘s attention on Instagram is to consistently engage with their posts. Leave thoughtful comments, ask questions, and show appreciation for their work. Over time, they may take notice and even choose to follow you back, opening up the possibility for direct messaging.
Find a common connection: If you have a mutual friend or acquaintance with the person you want to reach, consider asking for an introduction. This can lend credibility and context to your desire to connect. Just be sure to respect the intermediary‘s boundaries and not put them in an awkward position.
Reach out on another platform: Depending on the nature of your relationship with the person, it may be appropriate to contact them through another channel, such as email or LinkedIn. However, it‘s important to have a clear and compelling reason for reaching out this way. Avoid coming across as intrusive or spammy.
Wait for an opportunity: If the person you want to connect with is someone you admire from afar, like an influencer or thought leader, it may be best to simply wait for an organic opportunity to arise. This could be through a Q&A session they host, a contest they run, or even an in-person event you both attend. Keep an eye out for chances to naturally strike up a conversation.
Remember, while it can feel frustrating to hit a wall with messaging on Instagram, it‘s important to respect people‘s boundaries and communication preferences. Focus on building genuine connections through the content you post and the interactions you have on the platform.
It‘s worth examining the psychological dynamics at play when it comes to messaging on Instagram, particularly between followers and the accounts they admire. Researchers have long studied the concept of "parasocial relationships," which describes the one-sided relationships people develop with media personalities or fictional characters.
On Instagram, this phenomenon is amplified. Followers may feel a strong sense of connection to the influencers and celebrities they follow, even if they‘ve never met in person. The constant stream of photos, videos, and stories can create an illusion of intimacy and access.
However, it‘s crucial to recognize that this feeling isn‘t necessarily reciprocated. As communication researcher David C. Giles explains, "Parasocial relationships are essentially unilateral, controlled entirely by the media figure, and can be terminated at any time" (Source).
This power imbalance can lead to unrealistic expectations and even a sense of entitlement when it comes to communication. Followers may feel like they deserve a response or attention from the accounts they engage with, even if they‘re not entitled to it.
That‘s why it‘s so important for users to manage their messaging settings in a way that feels comfortable and safe for them. No one should feel obligated to respond to unsolicited messages or engage in unwanted communication, regardless of their follower count or public persona.
The Future of Social Media Messaging
As social media continues to evolve, it‘s likely we‘ll see even more changes and innovations in the messaging space. Some experts predict that messaging will become an increasingly central part of the social media experience, with more features and integrations designed to facilitate conversation and connection.
For example, Facebook (which owns Instagram) has been heavily investing in its messaging infrastructure, with plans to integrate WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram Direct into a single platform (Source). This could potentially introduce even more advanced messaging capabilities and blur the lines between public and private communication on social media.
Other platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn have also been expanding their messaging features, recognizing the value of enabling private conversations alongside public posts. As these tools become more sophisticated, users will have even more options for controlling their communication preferences and boundaries.
However, with increased messaging capabilities comes increased responsibility for platforms to protect user privacy and safety. As Instagram and other social networks navigate this landscape, it will be crucial for them to prioritize user control, transparency, and robust reporting systems.
Key Takeaways
Encountering the "You can‘t message this account unless they follow you" error on Instagram can be frustrating, but it‘s a reflection of the platform‘s efforts to give users control over their communication boundaries. By understanding how messaging settings work and adopting strategies for respectful outreach, users can still build meaningful connections on the platform.
At the same time, it‘s important to recognize the psychological complexities of parasocial relationships on social media and to manage expectations around communication accordingly. Just because someone posts publicly doesn‘t mean they owe their followers private access or interaction.
As messaging continues to evolve on Instagram and beyond, both users and platforms will need to work together to strike a balance between open communication and personal privacy. By staying informed and adapting to new norms and features, we can all do our part to create a safer, more respectful online environment.
