New 'Inquire' Button On Instagram DMs Confuses Users: Here's What You Need To Know – Here’s The Real Story

Author anthony Wednesday, 20 August 2025

Instagram's rollout of a new "Inquire" button within its direct message (DM) feature has sparked widespread confusion among users. The button, intended to streamline professional interactions, has instead generated significant frustration and misunderstanding due to its ambiguous functionality and inconsistent application. This article explores the reasons behind the user backlash, the intended purpose of the feature, and what Instagram users need to know to navigate this newly implemented tool.

What is the "Inquire" Button?
The Source of User Confusion: Inconsistent Implementation and Lack of Clarity
How to Effectively Use (and Avoid) the "Inquire" Button
Instagram's Response and Future Implications

Instagram's recent update introduced a new "Inquire" button within its direct messaging system, ostensibly designed to facilitate professional communication. However, instead of simplifying the process, the button has proven highly confusing for many users, leading to significant online discussions and complaints. The inconsistent implementation of the feature, coupled with a lack of clear instructions from Instagram, has amplified the user frustration.

What is the "Inquire" Button?

The "Inquire" button, appearing in some users' Instagram direct messages, is intended to be a quick way for individuals to contact businesses or creators for inquiries related to products, services, or collaborations. The aim was to provide a clear path for professional communication, separating these inquiries from casual conversations. Theoretically, it should streamline the process for businesses to manage their customer service and collaboration requests. When a user clicks the "Inquire" button, their message is typically routed to a separate inbox or flagged in a way that differentiates it from personal messages. This allows businesses to more efficiently manage inquiries and maintain a separation between professional and personal communication. However, the reality has proven more complicated.

One user, a small business owner named Sarah Miller, commented, "I initially thought it was a feature to help filter spam. I was excited, but then I realized it wasn't consistent across different accounts. Some businesses have it, some don't, and it makes no sense.” This reflects a common user sentiment – a lack of transparency and consistency in the button's implementation. The absence of a clear explanation within the app itself adds to the overall confusion. Many users discovered the button’s existence by accident, without any prior explanation of its function. This lack of proactive communication from Instagram directly contributes to the negative reception.

The Source of User Confusion: Inconsistent Implementation and Lack of Clarity

The primary source of the current controversy stems from the inconsistent application of the "Inquire" button. It's not universally available across all Instagram accounts. Some businesses and creators have the button readily visible, while others, even those who might benefit from such a feature, lack it entirely. This inconsistency leaves users guessing as to its purpose and availability. Is it a privilege afforded only to certain types of accounts? Is it based on user engagement or follower count? The lack of transparency on Instagram's part has fueled speculation and increased user frustration.

Furthermore, the visual cues accompanying the button are also subject to criticism. The button itself is not always clearly labelled or distinguished from other elements within the DM interface. This ambiguity makes it difficult for users to identify its function and contributes to accidental misclicks. The lack of clear instructions within the app exacerbates the issue, leaving users to decipher its purpose through trial and error, leading to many wasted attempts and further aggravation.

The inconsistent rollout also suggests a potential flaw in Instagram's algorithm for determining which accounts should have the button. Many users report that accounts with similar characteristics have vastly different experiences with the feature – one may have the button, while another with nearly identical engagement metrics does not. This inconsistency undermines the feature's intended functionality and reflects poorly on the overall design and execution of the update. The lack of a clear and readily accessible explanation of the feature's criteria for eligibility adds to the perception of an arbitrary and poorly implemented system.

How to Effectively Use (and Avoid) the "Inquire" Button

For users hoping to utilize the "Inquire" button to contact a business or creator, the best approach is simply to look for it within the direct message interface. If it's present, it will generally be clearly visible. However, there is no guarantee it will be available on every account, even those that seem like prime candidates for professional inquiries. If the button is not present, users should resort to traditional direct messaging. The lack of consistency makes it impossible to rely on the "Inquire" button as a reliable means of contacting specific businesses.

Conversely, businesses and creators should be aware of the current user confusion surrounding the button. If they have the button enabled, it is advisable to clearly communicate to their followers its intended purpose. This might involve adding a note to their profile or in their Instagram Stories, explaining how the "Inquire" button functions and how it helps manage inquiries efficiently. This proactive communication can help alleviate user frustration and ensure a smoother interaction. For businesses without the button, there is currently no known way to request its implementation. They must rely on standard direct messaging for now.

Instagram's Response and Future Implications

As of yet, Instagram has not issued a formal public statement addressing the widespread user confusion concerning the "Inquire" button. The lack of official communication further compounds the problem, leaving users to grapple with the inconsistent and poorly explained feature. The silence from Instagram indicates a possible oversight in the testing and rollout phase of the update. The lack of proactive communication highlights a significant deficit in user experience management.

The long-term implications of this rollout are unclear. If Instagram does not address the widespread confusion and inconsistencies, the "Inquire" button could become a source of persistent frustration for users. It risks damaging user trust and could negatively impact the overall user experience. A swift and decisive response from Instagram, including a clear explanation of the feature's functionality and a plan to address its inconsistencies, is crucial to mitigating the negative impact of this rollout and restoring user confidence. The company needs to move quickly to clarify the situation and avoid further damage to its reputation. Only time will tell whether Instagram will take the necessary steps to rectify the problems associated with its new "Inquire" button.

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