Alex Ruben
How To Create a Group Chat on Instagram in 2025: The Latest Update
Getting a bunch of friends or coworkers into one chat on Instagram sounds simple enough, but honestly, it can be kinda tricky if you don’t know where to look or if the app updates change things. Sometimes the interface isn’t super clear, or features are hidden behind menus you wouldn’t guess. It’s not exactly intuitive, especially if you’re used to messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger. But once it clicks, setting up a group chat isn’t too bad. This guide walks through the process so you can finally get that group together and avoid endless DM chaos.
How to Create a Group Chat on Instagram
Accessing the Messages Area
First off, open the Instagram app on your phone. Make sure you’re logged in, otherwise you’re gonna waste time. To find the messaging section, look for the paper airplane icon at the top right of your home screen (sometimes it’s hidden behind a menu if you’ve got a bunch of updates). Tap on it to get into your DMs. Sometimes this page can be weird — you might see old conversations or suggestions, but don’t stress. Your goal is to start fresh.
Starting a New Message or Group
In the messages section, hit that little pencil icon (looks like a square with a pencil), which is usually at the top right corner. On some devices or app versions, it might be a “New Message” button. Tap that, and you’ll get the options to create a new message. Here’s where it gets weird — Instagram sometimes hides the option for “Create Group” behind “Select People” or a menu called “New Group Chat.” Look around and tap anytime you see similar icons or options.
Creating the Actual Group
Once you tap to create a new chat, Instagram should offer you a list of your contacts or followers. Select at least two friends to get started — because, of course, a group needs more than one person, right? You can add more later, but initial setup is with at least two. To add them, just tap on their profile pictures or names. If you don’t see friends, maybe you haven’t followed each other back, which can block you from adding. Also, double-check your contact syncing — sometimes Instagram contact syncing is off, and you need to enable that in Settings > Accounts > Contacts Syncing.
Finalizing and Naming the Group
After selecting your friends, look for the option to create or start the group. Sometimes you get prompted to set a group name—definitely do it, because “Group 1” is kinda dull. To rename later, just tap on the group name at the top of the chat. Note: not everyone knows this, but you can also set a custom emoji for the group if you want it to look more lively. Once you press “Create” or “Start Chat,” the group basically exists, and everyone can start chatting.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
- If the “Create Group” button doesn’t appear right away, try closing and reopening the app — sometimes Instagram bugs out, especially after an update.
- To add new members later, tap on the group name at the top, then hit Add People. Easy.
- Remember, friends need to follow you or you both need to follow each other for the chat to be fully functional. Sometimes messaging disabled if someone has restricted their account.
- If your contacts aren’t appearing, double-check permissions for Instagram to access your contacts: Settings > Privacy > Contacts. Or try refreshing the contact list.
- If things get weird or the app crashes, uninstall and reinstall — sounds drastic but worth a shot.
Wrap-up
So, setting up a group chat on Instagram isn’t crazy complicated once you find the right menus, but it’s not super obvious either. On one setup it worked smoothly after just a few taps, on another I had to restart the app to get the menu options to show up. Like most apps, it kind of depends on the version, the device, and whether you’re logged in properly. Just keep hacking away at those menus, and eventually, you’ll be catching up with friends in one conversation.
Summary
- Open the Instagram app and go to Messages.
- Tap the pencil icon or New Message.
- Select at least two friends; look for the option to Create Group.
- Name your group, then start chatting.
- To add members later, tap on the group name, then Add People.
Fingers crossed this helps
Honestly, it’s not always straightforward because Instagram keeps changing stuff in the background. But if you know where to look and have your contacts synced, it usually ends up being less of a pain. Hopefully this shaves off a little time hunting through menus for someone. Good luck, and happy chatting!