What Does “Active now” Mean on Instagram?

Have you ever noticed the ‘Active now’ status next to someone’s username on Instagram and wondered about its meaning?

This feature can be confusing for some users, as you may also come across statuses like ‘Active today’ or ‘Active 5m ago.’ What sets these statuses apart?

In this article, we will delve into these statuses in detail and dispel any misunderstandings you may have once and for all.

What Does the “Active now” Status On Instagram Actually Mean?

The activity status on Instagram is visible exclusively on Instagram Direct, much like Facebook Messenger. Regular posts or stories won’t indicate whether a user is currently available or not.

To show that a user is presently online on Instagram, the platform adds a green dot under their profile picture. However, you can only view this information if the person has followed you back or sent you a direct message.

Interestingly, even if you’ve been inactive for a few minutes, the app will still display you as active. You need to be off the app for at least 5 minutes for the status to change and show you as inactive.

How Accurate Is “Active now”?

At times, you might notice that a friend has uploaded a post, but their activity status appears inactive. The activity feature is susceptible to glitches and delays, leading to confusion regarding this straightforward feature.

As a result, the ‘Active Now’ functionality may not always provide accurate information.

What Do Other Activity Statuses Mean?

The other activity statuses for Instagram users are given below.

Active X minutes/hour ago

The activity status simply informs you about the user’s recent activity on the app. It displays if the user has been inactive for a period of 5 to 8 hours.

Active today: This status indicates that the user was active earlier during the day. On Instagram, the status ‘Active today’ appears when you have been inactive for eight to twenty-four hours. It signifies that you were active on the app earlier that day.

Active yesterday: If you remain inactive for an entire day, this status will show up. It simply means you haven’t used Instagram in the last 24 to 48 hours.

What Does “Slay” Mean on Instagram?

What Is the Difference Between “Active today” and “Active now” on Instagram?

Although these statuses may seem similar, they are actually quite distinct.

The ‘Active now’ status is shown to Instagram users who have been online in the last five minutes.

On the other hand, if a user has been inactive for an extended period, ranging from 8 to 24 hours, their Instagram account status will automatically change to ‘Active today.’

Why Don’t I See the Green Dot?

If someone decides to hide their activity status on their Instagram account, you won’t be able to view it. Instagram’s privacy settings allow users to conceal their activities from others on the app. This means that users can restrict their Instagram followers from seeing their activity status.

How To Turn Off Instagram’s “Active now” Feature?

It is indeed possible to disable Instagram’s activity status for privacy or personal reasons. However, there’s a trade-off: if you choose to do so, you won’t be able to see other users’ activity statuses either.

To easily disable the ‘Active now’ feature on Instagram, follow these five steps:

1. Open Instagram and log in to your account.
2. Tap the profile icon located in the bottom right corner.
3. Tap the burger menu icon in the top right corner.
4. Select “Settings.”
5. Choose “Privacy” and then “Activity status.”
6. Toggle the “Show Activity Status” option off.

Why Does Instagram Show I Am Active?

It can happen that you unintentionally open the Instagram app, perhaps due to its presence in your recent apps or for some other reason. Another possibility is that you forgot that it was left open on another device, such as your PC.

To avoid this, it is essential to ensure that you completely close the app or website after using it. Alternatively, you can choose to log out. The advantage is that most devices retain your credentials, making it convenient to sign in again when needed.

By logging out from the device or ensuring the app is closed, you will no longer appear as active on Instagram.

Conclusion

Instagram’s activity status feature is designed to facilitate connections with friends and followers. However, some users may prefer to turn it off to safeguard their privacy.

By following the steps mentioned above, you can quickly and easily disable Instagram’s activity status.