Are you tired of plain, bland Instagram DMs? Do you want to add a touch of personality and whimsy to your conversations? Look no further! The curly arrow, also known as the “loop” or ” infinity arrow,” has taken the Instagram world by storm, and we’re here to show you how to get it.
What is the Curly Arrow, and Why is it so Popular?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the what. The curly arrow is a unique, cursive-style arrow symbol that can be inserted into your Instagram direct messages (DMs). It’s become a sensation among Instagrammers, with many users incorporating it into their conversations as a fun way to add personality and flair.
But what makes the curly arrow so popular? For one, it’s a subtle yet effective way to add visual interest to your messages. In a platform dominated by plain text and emojis, the curly arrow stands out as a refreshing change of pace. Additionally, it’s a subtle way to convey tone and personality, allowing users to add a touch of playfulness or sarcasm to their messages.
Why is the Curly Arrow So Hard to Find?
So, why is the curly arrow so elusive? The answer lies in Instagram’s character limit and encoding system. Instagram’s DMs are limited to a specific set of characters, which are encoded using the Unicode Standard. The curly arrow, being a lesser-known symbol, falls outside of this standard character set, making it difficult to access.
To make matters more complicated, Instagram’s algorithm doesn’t recognize the curly arrow as a standard symbol, which is why it doesn’t show up in the app’s built-in emoji keyboard. This means that users need to find alternative ways to insert the curly arrow into their messages, which can be a daunting task for the average user.
Method 1: The Copy-Paste Method
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! There are a few ways to get the curly arrow on Instagram, and we’ll walk you through each method step-by-step. The first method is perhaps the simplest: the copy-paste method.
Step 1: Find a Curly Arrow Online
The first step is to find a curly arrow symbol online. You can do this by searching for “curly arrow symbol” or “infinity arrow symbol” in your favorite search engine. Once you’ve found a reliable source, copy the symbol (it should look like this: ↪).
Step 2: Open Instagram and Start a New Message
Next, open Instagram and start a new message or open an existing conversation. Make sure you’re in the chat window where you want to insert the curly arrow.
Step 3: Paste the Curly Arrow
Long-press on the text input field, and select “Paste” from the menu. This should insert the curly arrow symbol into your message.
Step 4: Add Text and Send
Add any additional text you want to include in your message, and hit send. Voilà! You should now see the curly arrow in your Instagram DM.
Pros and Cons of the Copy-Paste Method
The copy-paste method is relatively straightforward, but it does come with some drawbacks. For one, you need to have access to an external device or website with the curly arrow symbol. This can be inconvenient if you’re trying to send a message on-the-go. Additionally, the copy-paste method may not work on all devices or platforms, depending on the character encoding.
On the other hand, this method is relatively quick and easy, making it a good option for those who want to try out the curly arrow without too much fuss.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Keyboard App
If the copy-paste method doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry – there’s another way to get the curly arrow on Instagram. Enter third-party keyboard apps!
Step 1: Download and Install a Keyboard App
Find a reputable third-party keyboard app that supports the curly arrow symbol. Some popular options include Gboard, SwiftKey, and Fleksy. Download and install the app on your device.
Step 2: Enable the Keyboard App on Instagram
Open Instagram and navigate to the chat window where you want to insert the curly arrow. Tap on the text input field, and select the three dots or the “Edit” button to open the keyboard settings. From here, select the third-party keyboard app you just installed.
Step 3: Find and Insert the Curly Arrow
Once you’ve enabled the third-party keyboard app, browse through the symbols or emojis to find the curly arrow. This may involve scrolling through multiple pages or using the app’s search function. Once you’ve found the symbol, tap on it to insert it into your message.
Step 4: Add Text and Send
Add any additional text you want to include in your message, and hit send. You should now see the curly arrow in your Instagram DM.
Pros and Cons of Using a Third-Party Keyboard App
Using a third-party keyboard app offers more flexibility and convenience than the copy-paste method. For one, you can access the curly arrow symbol directly from your keyboard, eliminating the need to copy and paste from an external source. Additionally, many keyboard apps offer a range of customization options, allowing you to personalize your typing experience.
On the other hand, using a third-party keyboard app may require some setup and configuration, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, some users may be hesitant to download and install a new app, especially if they’re concerned about privacy or security.
Method 3: The Unicode Shortcut
For the more tech-savvy users out there, we have one final method to get the curly arrow on Instagram: the Unicode shortcut.
Step 1: Open Instagram and Start a New Message
Open Instagram and start a new message or open an existing conversation. Make sure you’re in the chat window where you want to insert the curly arrow.
Step 2: Type the Unicode Shortcut
Type the following sequence of characters:   &ueur; &esup; →  &eur;  ⊕     . This is the Unicode shortcut for the curly arrow symbol.
Step 3: Add Text and Send
Add any additional text you want to include in your message, and hit send. Voilà! You should now see the curly arrow in your Instagram DM.
Pros and Cons of the Unicode Shortcut
The Unicode shortcut method is perhaps the most efficient way to get the curly arrow on Instagram, as it eliminates the need for external apps or copy-pasting. However, this method does require some technical know-how, as you need to memorize the Unicode sequence.
Additionally, this method may not work on all devices or platforms, depending on the character encoding. Nevertheless, for those comfortable with Unicode shortcuts, this method offers a quick and convenient way to add the curly arrow to your Instagram DMs.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Copy-Paste | Easy to use, no setup required | May not work on all devices, inconvenient for on-the-go use |
| Third-Party Keyboard App | Offers more flexibility and customization options, convenient for frequent use | Requires setup and configuration, may raise privacy and security concerns |
| Unicode Shortcut | Efficient, no external apps required, convenient for tech-savvy users | Requires technical know-how, may not work on all devices or platforms |
Conclusion
Getting the curly arrow on Instagram may seem like a daunting task, but with these three methods, you can add a touch of personality and whimsy to your DMs. Whether you prefer the copy-paste method, using a third-party keyboard app, or the Unicode shortcut, there’s an option to suit every user.
So, go ahead – give the curly arrow a try, and add a little flair to your Instagram conversations!
What is the curly arrow feature on Instagram?
The curly arrow feature on Instagram is a hidden feature that allows users to swipe up and navigate to a linked website or URL directly from the app. This feature is currently available only for users with an Instagram Business account or those who have verified their account.
This feature is particularly useful for businesses, influencers, and content creators who want to drive traffic to their website, online store, or blog from their Instagram stories. The curly arrow icon appears at the bottom of the screen when you add a swipe-up link to your story, allowing viewers to access the linked content seamlessly.
Why can’t I see the curly arrow feature on my Instagram?
If you cannot see the curly arrow feature on your Instagram, it may be because you don’t have an Instagram Business account or a verified account. Currently, this feature is limited to these types of accounts.
To access the curly arrow feature, you can try switching to an Instagram Business account or verifying your account. You can do this by going to your profile, tapping the three horizontal lines, and selecting “Settings.” Then, tap “Account” and select “Switch to Business Account” or “Verify Your Account” depending on your needs.
How do I switch to an Instagram Business account?
Switching to an Instagram Business account is a straightforward process. To do this, go to your profile, tap the three horizontal lines, and select “Settings.” Then, tap “Account” and select “Switch to Business Account.” You will be prompted to connect your Facebook Page and add some business information.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have access to Instagram Insights, which provides you with analytics about your account and content. You’ll also be able to add a call-to-action button to your profile and utilize the curly arrow feature in your stories.
What kind of content can I link to with the curly arrow feature?
You can link to any type of online content using the curly arrow feature, including websites, blogs, online stores, landing pages, and more. This feature is particularly useful for businesses and content creators who want to drive traffic to their online platforms.
Just make sure that the content you’re linking to is relevant to your audience and compliant with Instagram’s community guidelines. You can also use this feature to link to affiliate marketing links, online courses, or other types of digital content.
Can I use the curly arrow feature in my Instagram feed posts?
No, the curly arrow feature is currently only available for Instagram stories. When you add a swipe-up link to your story, the curly arrow icon appears at the bottom of the screen, allowing viewers to access the linked content.
However, you can use the “Learn More” feature in your feed posts to add a call-to-action button that links to your website or online content. This feature is available for Instagram Business accounts and verified accounts.
How do I add a swipe-up link to my Instagram story?
To add a swipe-up link to your Instagram story, start by taking a photo or video, or select one from your gallery. Then, tap the sticker icon in the top-right corner of the screen and select the “Link” sticker. Enter the URL you want to link to, and the curly arrow icon will appear at the bottom of the screen.
You can also add some text or other stickers to your story to make it more engaging. Once you’ve added the link, tap “Done” to post your story. Your viewers can then swipe up on your story to access the linked content.
Will the curly arrow feature affect my Instagram story’s engagement?
The curly arrow feature shouldn’t affect your Instagram story’s engagement negatively. In fact, adding a swipe-up link to your story can increase engagement and drive traffic to your website or online content.
Viewers who swipe up on your story are likely to be interested in the linked content, which can lead to higher conversion rates and more engagement on your website or online platform. Just make sure to track your Instagram Insights to see how your stories are performing and adjust your strategy accordingly.