Instagram added a voice messaging feature to its direct messages way back in December 2018. Users can send audio messages up to one-minute long in their private and group chats using the app, on both iOS and Android.

If you hold down the microphone button, your message will send as soon as you let go of the button. If you want to start over, drag your finger over to the trash bin. The feature works much like the version available on Facebook.

Since Facebook purchased Instagram, the former's users have been known to complain about any features that resemble something Facebook may have been doing and this certainly falls into that category.

However, if you do get into using voice messaging, you might never type out another message again.

How to send a voice message on Instagram

You can send voice messages using Instagram Direct. To see messages you've sent or received with Instagram Direct, tap the arrow in the top right of feed. From there, you can manage all your messages.

To send a voice message:

  1. Open a conversation.
  2. Tap and hold mic and begin recording your message.
  3. Release your finger when you're done recording. This will send your recording.
  4. To cancel your message, continue holding the mic and move your finger to the trash.

To send a hands-free message:

  1. Open a conversation.
  2. Tap and hold mic and swipe up to the unlock.
  3. Release your finger while continuing to record.
  4. Tap to send your message or cancel by tapping the trash .

If you record more than one message in a row, the messages will be played back-to-back for the recipient.