Each conversation needs to start with a photo, however — you can't send just text right off the bat. If the friend you're sending a message to is online, their avatar lights up in real-time inside a chat to show that they've seen or liked your message. A new Inbox button adorns the top right corner of your Instagram home screen that lets you instantly tap into your recent messages. If someone sends you a direct message while you're browsing the app, a badge pops up on top of the Inbox button. Like on Twitter, only the people that you follow can send you photos and videos. Your groups can be for your college buddies, classmates, or your husband or wife, Systrom says.