Fake Instagram DM Generator
Recreate an Instagram-style DM thread — gradient bubbles, small avatars next to their replies and “Seen” under your last message — and export it as an image.
Instagram DMs are where brand deals, fan messages and creator collabs happen, so they show up constantly in creator content and marketing decks. This generator gives you the details that make the format recognisable: the soft gradient on outgoing bubbles, the round avatar next to the other person's last message, emoji reactions under bubbles, the verified badge beside the name and the camera button in the message bar.
- Free, no sign-up
- Runs in your browser
- PNG, JPG and video export
More for Instagram, or browse all messaging tools.
How to make an Instagram DM screenshot
- 1Type the account's name and upload their profile photo.
- 2Turn on Verified badge if the account should show the blue check.
- 3Set the status line — “Active now”, “Active 2h ago”, or their @username.
- 4Write the conversation; incoming messages show the sender's avatar on the last bubble of each run.
- 5Add reactions under any message and set your last message to Read to show “Seen”.
- 6Add photos or a reel thumbnail using the Photo or Video message types.
- 7Export as PNG, or choose the Instagram Story preset for a 1080 × 1920 image.
Why use this Instagram DM generator
Made for creator content
Mock up collab requests, fan DMs and brand pitches for videos and pitch decks without sharing anyone's real inbox.
The gradient done right
Outgoing bubbles use a purple-to-blue gradient that reads as Instagram at a glance.
Works on mobile
The editor is touch-friendly, with a sticky export button so you can make and post from your phone.
Features
- Gradient outgoing bubbles and grey incoming bubbles
- Avatar beside incoming message runs
- “Seen” receipt under your newest message
- Emoji reactions, replies, photos and video thumbnails
- Verified badge and “Active now” status
- Light and dark mode
- Works on phones, tablets and desktop
- Drafts autosave privately in your browser
Instagram DM examples
Original scenes made with this editor. Load one into the editor and change anything.
Common use cases
- Brand pitch decks
- Show a sample outreach message in a sponsorship proposal.
- Reaction videos
- Set up a fictional DM to react to or explain on camera.
- Social media training
- Teach community managers how to respond to tricky DMs.
- Fiction and web series
- Tell part of a story through a character's inbox.
Tips for a more convincing Instagram DM mockup
- Instagram DMs are casual: lowercase, emoji and short bursts look more authentic than full paragraphs.
- Pair a verified badge with a believable handle in the status line for brand-account mockups.
- Leave the last incoming message without a reply to create tension in a story.
- Dark mode screenshots of Instagram look especially clean for video overlays.
- Export with the Instagram Story preset if you plan to repost the DM as a story.
Use it responsibly. Mockups are for entertainment, education, design and storytelling. Don’t present them as real conversations, don’t impersonate real people, and never use them as evidence or to deceive anyone. Read our acceptable use policy.
Guides
Instagram DM generator FAQ
Can I add the verified badge?
Yes. Turn on Verified badge in Platform & header and the blue check appears next to the name.
How do I show “Seen”?
Set Receipt to Read on your most recent message. “Seen” appears under it automatically.
Can I add a photo or reel to the chat?
Yes. Use the Photo or Video message type and upload a thumbnail image.
Can I make an Instagram group chat?
Yes. Switch Contact info to Group, add members and give the group a name. Sender names appear above their messages.
Is it free?
Yes. Editing and PNG/JPG export are free, with no watermark and no sign-up.
Is this connected to Instagram?
No. It's an independent mockup tool and isn't affiliated with Instagram or Meta.
Ready to make your Instagram DM mockup?
It takes about a minute. No account, no watermark, nothing uploaded.
Start creating