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If you can’t wait for Instagram to launch messages, here are a few apps to hold you over

waiting instagrams upcoming private messaging feature couple apps hold instagram
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News regarding a future Instagram private messaging function just hit the social mediasphere, and some users cannot contain their excitement – at the moment, the only only “in-house” way to reach out to others is via the comment box. A  pumped up interaction featured to we can contact our legions of friends and followers as well as our idol Instagrammers as well is definitely something to look forward to.

Reports say that this feature has been in the works for quite some time, but the update won’t hit until the end of the year. But have no fear, because until that time comes, you can use the following apps – which are available for both Android and iOS devices – to get in touch with your Instagram friends for free.

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InstaMe

InstaMe – which is short for InstaMessage – allows you to privately message Instagram users within your vicinity as well as people you actually follow on the platform. By creating an account with the app, you essentially generate a profile which people can use to find you (of course this means you can browse anybody’s profile as well and chat with them instantly).

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The app’s description suggests that you can use the app to privately message celebrities as well, so I installed it to find out if I really can privately message Jason Mraz. Of course, like most social apps, I found out that Mraz would have to have InstaMe installed for me to be able to stalk send him a quick hey, or I would have to invite him.

InstaMe screenshot (1)
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Oddly enough, I saw a couple of people appear on my chat list, including Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead) So of course I had to be a creep.

InstaMe screenshot (3) InstaMe screenshot (2)

Even if he doesn’t respond, I already feel the Instagram messaging powers washing over me. Good enough! (A note to celebrities: If you’re feeling harassed by us, InstaMe has a Block function. Be gentle using it though … please.)

InstaTalks

Nearly exactly like InstaMe, InstaTalks lets Instagram users easily and quickly hit up their Instagram posse via private chat. You can share private photos with them, provided that you have some that you aren’t inclined to post directly. It also doubles as a dating app of sorts – InstaTalk’s search feature lets you filter results according to gender, age, distance, and location. So if you’re single and you’re hoping to be one half of the next great Instagram love story, this app is for you.

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InstaDM

You can instantly send messages directly to Instagram users of your choosing, including celebrities, through this app. Apparently the InstaDM community is star-studded, with users like SnoopDogg, Ne-Yo, Josh Hutcherson, and T-Pain credited as only some of its growing 1.5 million user base. It also looks like InstaDM works for multiple accounts, so you can cross between your profiles to talk to your fans and real-life friends simultaneously.

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Jam Kotenko
Former Digital Trends Contributor
When she's not busy watching movies and TV shows or traveling to new places, Jam is probably on Facebook. Or Twitter. Or…
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