Instagram group chats have become a staple of online communication, with over 500 million daily active Instagram Stories users as of 2022. Group messaging increased by over 60% on Instagram and Facebook in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, showcasing just how important these digital gatherings are in our modern world.
As the admin of an Instagram group chat, you have the power (and responsibility) to curate the member list and maintain a positive, focused environment for conversation. Sometimes this means removing inactive or disruptive members from the chat. Here‘s a step-by-step guide on how to do that, as well as some expert insights and analysis on Instagram group chat culture.
Removing a Member from an Instagram Group Chat
Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and tap the airplane icon in the top right to go to your direct messages.
Find the group chat you want to remove someone from. You may need to scroll through your messages or use the search bar to locate it.
Tap the group chat to open it, then tap the row of profile pictures at the top to view full group details and settings.
Scroll down to the "Members" section. Next to each name, you‘ll see a three-dot icon.
Tap the three-dot icon next to the member you want to remove. Select "Remove from group" in the pop-up menu.
Note that you must be an admin of the group chat to have the ability to add or remove members. Regular members will not see this option.
The Psychological Impact of Group Chat Removals
Being removed from a group chat can sting, even if it‘s not personal. According to social psychology experts, humans have an innate need to belong and feel included in social groups. Being suddenly cut out of a conversation with no explanation can lead to feelings of rejection, isolation, and decreased self-esteem.
On the flip side, being the person to remove someone else from a chat can also feel uncomfortable, like you‘re "kicking someone out" of the group. It‘s important to remember that as an admin, your primary goal is to create a healthy and productive space for the group as a whole. Sometimes that means making tough decisions about membership.
If possible, consider sending a private message to someone before removing them from a group chat, explaining your reasoning and ensuring there are no hard feelings. A little bit of direct communication can go a long way in maintaining social harmony online and off.
The Technical Side of Instagram Group Chats
So how do Instagram group chats actually work from a technical standpoint? Let‘s dive into some of the details.
Instagram group chats are built on the Instagram Direct messaging system, which uses a combination of technologies like WebSockets, MQTT, and Thrift. When you send a message in a group chat, it‘s routed through Instagram‘s servers and delivered to each individual member in real-time.
Group chats have a maximum size limit of 32 members. Once you hit that limit, you‘ll need to remove existing members before being able to add new ones. Chats are only available through the mobile app, not on the web-based version of Instagram.
Admins have special privileges within group chats, including:
- Adding or removing members
- Changing the group chat title, icon, and settings
- Approving new member requests (if approval is required)
Regular members can still report or block other individuals in the chat if needed, but they don‘t have admin controls.
All group chats are private and closed by default, meaning only members can view the contents of the chat. However, there have been some high-profile data breaches over the years that exposed Instagram users‘ private messages. It‘s a good idea to avoid sharing any sensitive personal information or media in group chats, even among trusted friends.
Instagram‘s Policies on Group Chats
Instagram is constantly updating and expanding its messaging features, including group chats. Here are some key policies and updates to be aware of:
In 2021, Instagram introduced Limits, allowing users to automatically hide comments and DM requests from accounts that don‘t follow them or only followed them recently. This can help cut down on harassment in group chats.
Reported group chats may be placed under review if multiple members have reported content that goes against Instagram‘s Community Guidelines. Admins can turn on "Approve new members" to help prevent unwanted additions during this time.
There are certain types of content that are not allowed to be shared in any Instagram messages, including group chats: hate speech, nudity, violent threats, illegal activities, and more. Sharing this type of content can result in account suspension.
In 2020, Instagram expanded group chats with cross-app messaging between Instagram and Messenger from Facebook. Over 70% of eligible users opted in to the new messaging experience.
Staying up-to-date on Instagram‘s official guidelines and features can help you be a more effective and responsible group chat admin.
The Future of Social Media Group Chats
As social media continues to evolve, so will the ways we communicate in groups online. Some emerging trends and predictions for the future of group chats include:
- More robust admin tools and privacy settings to help moderate conversations
- Integration of AI and chatbots to provide 24/7 customer service in brand-run chats
- The rise of audio-based group chats (like Clubhouse or Twitter Spaces)
- Expansion of "business chats" connecting brands to customers and employees
- Improved encryption and security to protect group chat content
- More ways to customize chats with GIFs, emojis, replies, and reactions
- Increased use of group chats for virtual events, watch parties, and gatherings
No matter how the technology advances, the core purpose of group chats will likely remain the same: to connect humans with shared interests and goals. As digital communities grow and evolve, we all have a role to play in keeping those spaces positive and inclusive.
Teaching Digital Group Chat Literacy
For younger generations growing up with social media as a primary form of communication, it‘s especially important to teach responsible group chat habits early on. Some key lessons:
- How to identify and report cyberbullying or harassment in chats
- The permanence of posting in online chats, even "disappearing" messages
- Respecting boundaries and consent in group conversations
- Protecting personal information and privacy in chats with unknown members
- Strategies for exiting a toxic or unhealthy chat environment
Parents, educators, and admins can model these behaviors and keep an open dialogue about navigating online groups. Getting everyone on the same page about digital literacy creates a better chat experience for all.
Group Chats as a Business Tool
Brands are increasingly using Instagram group chats as a tool for connecting with customers, offering support, and building communities. Some examples:
Makeup brand Glossier uses group chats to gather product feedback and insights directly from their most engaged customers. Fans can chat with Glossier employees and each other about all things beauty.
Lululemon experimented with a Holiday "Gift Guide Guest Chat" in 2021, allowing customers to ask for personalized gift recommendations from their digital concierge team.
Some Etsy sellers use Instagram group chats to connect with other small business owners in their niche, offer advice, and do shoutouts or collabs to drive traffic.
Many companies have internal employee group chats to quickly share information, coordinate shifts, celebrate wins, and boost team morale.
When done thoughtfully, branded group chats can help build deeper relationships with your audience and put a human face to your business. Just be sure to get explicit opt-in consent and create clear guidelines for how employees should manage and interact in chats.
Maintaining a Drama-Free Chat
Even with the most conscientious moderation, occasional drama still happens in online group chats. As the admin, you set the tone for how conflicts are handled and resolved.
Some tips for keeping the peace:
- Set clear and reasonable group rules, and make sure all new members read and agree to them before joining.
- If a member brings a personal problem to the group, offer to discuss it with them privately, rather than hashing it out in front of everyone.
- Use polls or anonymous feedback to gauge how members are feeling about recent conflicts or changes in the group. Make adjustments based on the majority response.
- If you do end up removing a member for disruptive behavior, keep your announcement about it brief, factual, and drama-free. Avoid villainizing the person or dragging out the issue.
- Regularly reiterate the group‘s purpose and encourage everyone to stay on-topic. Gently redirect conversations that are veering into unproductive territory.
- Know when to step back and let minor disagreements fizzle out on their own. Not every single conflict requires admin intervention.
With empathy, clear communication, and a little humour, you can keep your Instagram group chats a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.
