Instagram is a wonderful platform for content creation, and it requires you to understand the various Instagram insights to make content creation for your brand successful.
Have you ever wondered why Instagram is represented by different icons and what each icon means?
One such icon that has confused many users is the paper airplane icon found on Instagram.
So, what does the paper airplane icon mean on Instagram?
The paper airplane is an icon still witnessed by users using the older version of Instagram. A paper airplane indicates a direct message is being sent, and it is responsible for sending direct messages and other posts to your friends. Instagram allows users to connect with friends by offering a direct message feature. You must click on the paper airplane icon to reach the direct messages.
The paper airplane icon is a wonderful feature that has made the app fun. If you see something interesting and wish to share it, worry less because Instagram has ensured that it is easier.
This post will explain what the Paper Airplane means, the importance of the paper airplane icon, why other Instagram applications don’t have the icon and answer frequently asked questions.
What Is the Meaning of the Paper Airplane on Instagram?
The paper airplane in Instagram is one of the many features that have made creating and sharing content on the platform easier and more effective.
One way to gain a massive following on Instagram is by informing your fans of more content and engaging with them.
Instagram is aware users need to keep in touch and share fun memes and has ensured that is possible by offering the direct messages feature.
Have you ever wondered where to find direct messages on Instagram?
When users click on the paper airplane icon, they are taken to the direct messages, where they can see all the messages they have sent or received from their friends.
Thus, if you have a fun meme you wish to send to your close friends and continue the laughter, the paper airplane icon will take you to your messages, where you can share the meme.
Moreover, when a user sends a message on Instagram, the paper airplane is shown beside the message, indicating the message is being sent and disappears once it has been sent.
What Is the Importance of the Paper Airplane
The paper airplane icon is important for all Instagram users.
Whether you are a content creator or a fan, you can use the feature for the following benefits.
Benefit #1: Increases the Number of Shares for your Content
Instagram users can share content via the paper airplane icon, enabling them to get higher shares.
Getting a high number of shares is a sign the fans love what you are creating and encourage you to focus on such content.
Benefit #2: Create New Audience
Sharing content is the best way to grow your audience.
When a friend of yours shares your content with others who also end up sharing it, the number of people getting exposed to your content increases, enabling you to grow your followers.
Why Does My Instagram Not Have the Paper Airplane Icon?
The paper airplane icon is only found on a few applications. If you still see the icon on your Instagram, your application misses important updates.
Instagram has been using the paper airplane icon until recently when they upgraded it to the messenger icon.
Instagram was integrated with Facebook Messenger, replacing the paper airplane icon with the Facebook Messenger logo.
If you want to update to the latest version of Instagram on Android, do the following:
- Navigate to the Play Store.
- Tap on the search icon and type “Instagram” in the space.
- Select Instagram from the listed applications.
- Tap on the “Update” button beside the Instagram application.
If you are using iOS devices, you can update Instagram and make the paper airplane icon disappear by following the steps below:
- Use your iOS device to open the App Store.
- Tap on the “Search” option.
- Type in “Instagram” and tap on it from the available applications that will be listed once it shows up.
- Tap on the “Update” option.
You will notice that the paper airplane is now replaced with a messenger icon. If you still wish to access your messages, click the messenger icon.
Conclusion
Understanding the various icons used on Instagram is great for marketing your content and increasing the number of followers on the platform.
If you are new to Instagram and wondering what the paper airplane means, this post will clear your doubts.
Moreover, the post has also explained the benefits of using the paper airplane icon.
FAQs
The paper airplane icon is available for old versions of Instagram. If your Instagram does not have the icon, it means your app is up to date. The messenger icon will be seen instead of the paper airplane, and they perform the same function.
Yes. Instagram has ensured that friends can catch up and send private messages that cannot be accessed publicly. To send messages privately on Instagram, click on the messenger icon or the paper airplane icon and search for the person you wish to text.
No. Direct messages are only accessible to the parties involved. If you send a direct message to one of your friends, your fans will not know about it.
