How to Doodle on Instagram Chat

Image Credits: Instagram/Threads

Instagram is expanding the creative options within its messaging platform, officially rolling out the ability for users to draw, or "doodle," directly onto the main chat screen of a Direct Message (DM) thread. This new feature allows users to place custom drawings and stickers anywhere in the conversation interface, offering a new avenue for spontaneous communication beyond text and media sharing. The update transforms the DM window into a collaborative space, one that both participants can annotate. The doodles and stickers are transient, however; they will fade from view as the conversation progresses, making them an added element of fun instead of a permanent notation.

Instagram announced the feature on Threads, stating:

"about to be even more unserious in the DMs... now you can doodle and drop stickers and emojis all over your DMs"

This move follows a trend of increasing focus on direct communication, as according to Social Media Today, the platform usage shows more individuals are sending DMs than posting to the main feed or sharing Stories.

How to Doodle Directly on the Instagram Chat Screen

The new drawing option is being released broadly to all users. If you do not see the feature instantly, ensure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version.

To draw on the chat screen:

1. Open the Instagram application on your mobile device.
2. Go to your Direct Messages inbox.
3. Select the chat where you wish to add a drawing.
4. Tap the "+" menu icon located to the right of the message composition box.
5. Look for the new "Draw" option in the menu that appears.
6. Select the drawing tools displayed at the top of the screen to choose your brush type and color.
7. Use your finger to draw anywhere on the chat screen.
8. You can also choose to place stickers using the associated sticker tool.
9. Send your next text message, which will appear below your new drawing.

That's easy, right? That's how you can doodle on your IG chats for free.

How to Doodle on a Photo or Video Sent via DM

The ability to doodle on photos and videos has been an established feature in Instagram DMs for some time, however, I am still including this step-by-step in case you don't know about it:

Steps for drawing on media:

1. Open a new or existing chat in your Instagram Direct Messages.
2. Tap the image icon near the message composer to open your device's photo library.
3. Select the photo or video you wish to share.

4. Once the media is selected and displayed on the editing screen, look for the tools at the top right:
   

      Stickers icon: To add stickers, GIFs, or other interactive elements.
      Draw icon: This resembles a pen or scribbling line. Tap this to activate the drawing tools.
      Text icon: To add typed text.
5. After selecting the Draw icon, choose your preferred brush size and color from the options displayed.
6. Use your finger to draw or write on the image.
7. Tap Done to save your drawing.

8. Choose your viewing option:
   

      View Once
      Allow Replay
      Keep in Chat
9. Tap Send to deliver the customized media to the chat.

This method applies to media you select from your phone's gallery before sending it, or when replying to an image or video sent by another user.

In the end, Instagram is focusing more on how people interact with each other and enabling the users to have more fun on the app with features like this doodle on DMs, and more.