In 2025, Instagram continues to innovate in the messaging space. One of its latest and most creative features is the gift message effect, allowing users to wrap their text inside a virtual gift box when chatting in DMs. This interactive message is visually engaging and perfect for birthdays, holidays, celebrations, or simply sending a surprise “thinking of you” note to a friend, follower, or customer.
Instagram’s new messaging effects—especially the gift message—are not only fun but can be a powerful communication tool for both casual users and businesses. Whether you’re a content creator looking to build closer connections with your audience or a brand aiming to add more personality to customer interactions, this guide will show you exactly how to send a gift message on Instagram and maximize the potential of this engaging feature.
What is a Gift Message on Instagram?
A gift message on Instagram is a direct message (DM) wrapped in an animated gift box. When you send this message, it appears in the recipient’s chat as a wrapped present. The message is hidden until the receiver taps the box, which then “opens” with a playful animation, revealing your text inside.
It’s a subtle but delightful way to make your messages feel more personal and exciting—perfect for special occasions or surprise notes.
Why Use Gift Messages on Instagram?
Gift messages do more than just decorate a message. Here are a few reasons why they’re valuable:
- 🎉 Celebrate birthdays, holidays, or achievements in a fun way.
- 💌 Make ordinary chats more engaging and memorable.
- 👩💼 Enhance customer engagement for small businesses and brands.
- 🎁 Build hype or suspense by hiding a promotional code or a sweet message inside the “gift.”
From casual users sending surprise greetings to influencers and businesses creating stronger bonds with their audience, this messaging feature is both functional and fun.
Prerequisites: Update Your Instagram Messaging Feature
Before you can send a gift message on Instagram, you must ensure that your app and messaging features are up-to-date. Instagram often rolls out features regionally, and without updating, the gift message effect may not be available to you.
How to Update Instagram Messages (Cross-App Messaging)
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap on your profile picture at the bottom right.
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the top right.
- Go to Settings and Privacy.
- Scroll to Messages and story replies > Tap Message controls.
- If prompted, follow the instructions to Update Messaging.
If you don’t see the update prompt, check your app store to ensure you have the latest version of Instagram installed.
How to Send a Gift Message on Instagram (2025 Method)
Once your messaging is updated, you’re ready to use the gift message effect. Here’s the step-by-step guide to do it:
Step 1: Launch Instagram and Open Your DMs
- Tap the Messenger icon (top-right of the home screen).
- Choose the conversation where you want to send the gift message.
- If it’s a new person, tap the pencil icon to start a new message.
Step 2: Type Your Message
- Enter your message in the text box—but do not send it yet.
- Your message can be anything: “Happy Birthday!”, “You won a prize!”, “Guess what?”, or “Here’s a surprise 🎁”.
Step 3: Tap the Search Icon
- On the left side of the text input bar, you’ll see a magnifying glass or stickers icon.
- Tap on it to open the Effects and Special Formats Menu.
Step 4: Select the “Gift” Effect
- A variety of visual message effects will appear: hearts, fire, confetti, gift box, etc.
- Tap on the “Gift” effect, which shows your message wrapped in a purple or red animated gift box.
Step 5: Send the Message
- Tap the send arrow, and the message will be delivered wrapped as a gift.
- The recipient must tap the gift box to “open” it and read your message.
That’s it! You’ve now sent a stylish, hidden surprise via Instagram DMs.
Who Can Use Instagram Gift Messages?
Currently, this feature is available to:
- Users with updated Instagram and Messenger integration.
- Accounts that follow each other or have open DMs.
- Both personal and professional accounts.
If you’re unable to use it, try the following:
- Update your app.
- Check if you’ve accepted the messaging feature update.
- Try logging out and back in.
- Wait for a future rollout in your region if it still doesn’t appear.
Creative Ways to Use Instagram Gift Messages
Gift messages are versatile. Here are ideas to use them in creative and engaging ways:
🎂 Birthday Greetings
Instead of just saying “Happy Birthday,” send the message in a gift box. It feels more celebratory and makes the moment more special.
💖 Romantic or Flirty Messages
Use gift messages to say “I love you” or “Thinking of you” in a playful way.
💼 Small Business Promotions
- Send promo codes, discount alerts, or exclusive offers in DMs.
- Make customers “unwrap” a surprise coupon or new product alert.
🧩 Quizzes or Games
Use gift messages as part of an Instagram Story or chat-based game. Ask a question and send the answer hidden in a gift message.
🎉 Holiday Greetings
Send “Merry Christmas,” “Happy New Year,” or “Eid Mubarak” inside a gift-wrapped message for more impact.
Do Gift Messages Work in Instagram Groups?
Yes, they do!
You can send a gift message in both individual and group chats. In group chats, each person will have to tap the gift box individually to reveal the message. This makes it especially fun in group games, announcements, or celebration messages.
Is There a Limit to Gift Messages?
Currently, Instagram has not placed a known limit on how many gift messages you can send per day. However, excessive usage of automated or spam-like messages can flag your account for review.
Here are some tips:
- Use it meaningfully, not just for every message.
- Avoid copy-pasting identical gift messages to multiple people quickly.
- Never use automation services like Viralyft or other shady apps—they violate Instagram’s Terms of Service and could lead to account suspension.
Gift Messages for Business: A Marketing Strategy
If you’re a marketer, content creator, or small business owner, gift messages can be part of your Instagram engagement strategy.
Benefits:
- Makes your brand appear modern, approachable, and fun.
- Increases message open rates and engagement.
- Helps in running secret promos for VIP customers.
Pro Tip:
Pair your gift message with a limited-time offer. For example:
“Tap to reveal your surprise 🎁” → [Promo Code: SAVE20]
Bonus Tip: Personalize Your Instagram DM Strategy
While gift messages are fun, the true power lies in personalized communication. Tools like Neo Email for Business help you build brand credibility through professional email addresses that match your domain.
You can integrate Instagram and email campaigns to drive conversions—starting with a delightful gift message and continuing the conversation over email.
Instagram Gift Message FAQs (2025)
❓ Can I use the gift message effect in Instagram Stories?
No, currently the gift message is exclusive to direct messages (DMs). However, you can create Story-style graphics using third-party design tools to mimic the style.
❓ Can the recipient see the message without tapping?
No. The message remains completely hidden inside the gift box until it is tapped.
❓ Can I unsend a gift message?
Yes, you can unsend gift messages like regular DMs by holding the message and selecting “Unsend.”
❓ Do gift messages notify differently?
No, recipients receive a standard DM notification. Only the visual presentation differs.
Final Thoughts
The Instagram gift message feature is a simple yet powerful tool to level up your conversations. Whether you’re sending birthday greetings, surprise promos, or just adding flair to daily chats, this fun feature helps you stand out.
Instagram is no longer just a photo-sharing platform—it’s a space for genuine interaction, community building, and personal expression. And gift messages are a great example of how Instagram is making those interactions more magical.
Now that you know how to send a gift message on Instagram, start using them to surprise your followers, charm your friends, or even boost your brand’s presence with a touch of creativity.