TechSoftwareAppsHow to play Instagram’s hidden Pong gameInstagram has a new game you can play, entirely in its appWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

TechSoftwareAppsHow to play Instagram’s hidden Pong gameInstagram has a new game you can play, entirely in its appWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Instagram has a new game you can play, entirely in its app

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Max Freeman-Mills / Future)

Instagram Pong

(Image credit: Max Freeman-Mills / Future)

Quick SummaryInstagram has added a little game based on Pong that you can play inside the social media app.You can even choose an emoji to play with.

Instagram has added a little game based on Pong that you can play inside the social media app.You can even choose an emoji to play with.

Instagram has added a little game based on Pong that you can play inside the social media app.You can even choose an emoji to play with.

Instagram has added a little game based on Pong that you can play inside the social media app.

You can even choose an emoji to play with.

One of Instagram’s recent app updates added a fun little feature that some people took a while to notice.

The app now has its own Pong-style game, to be played on any of thebest smartphonesor another handset that can run Instagram – a keepie-uppie simulator that lets you control how it looks.

How to play the Instagram Pong game

It’s simple to get started with the game. Follow these steps!

As you’ll see, this will immediately start you off playing, controlling a small paddle at the bottom of your display while the emoji you chose bounces around atop it.

You just have to keep it bouncing for as long as you can, and the game will keep track of your high score at the top-right of the screen.

The fun thing is that the game’s appearance and background colour will adapt to whatever emoji you choose, so it’ll be pale yellow like ours if you opt for a smiley face, but any number of other colours for different choices.

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

Sadly there’s no multiplayer element here, though – you won’t be playing against whoever you sent the emoji to, or anything like that.

Rather, think of it as a way to pass the time if you just sent a DM that you expect to attract an immediate reply, but things aren’t moving as quickly as you hoped. This could be a great way to stop yourself from fidgeting or, worse, sending an ill-advised follow-up.

This addition came whenInstagram added some other messaging featuresthat are welcome, including the ability to pin chats to the top of your inbox, edit your messages, and turn read receipts on or off globally. So, it looks like DMs just got quite a big level up, all things considered.

Today’s best smartphone dealsApple iPhone 15$729.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S24$649.99$549.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 27, 2025Nothing Phone (2)$925ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best smartphone dealsApple iPhone 15$729.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S24$649.99$549.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 27, 2025Nothing Phone (2)$925ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best smartphone dealsApple iPhone 15$729.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S24$649.99$549.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 27, 2025Nothing Phone (2)$925ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best smartphone deals

Apple iPhone 15$729.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S24$649.99$549.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 27, 2025Nothing Phone (2)$925ViewSee all prices

Apple iPhone 15$729.99ViewSee all prices

Apple iPhone 15$729.99ViewSee all prices

Apple iPhone 15 128 GB in…

Apple iPhone 15

Apple iPhone 15

Verizon

$729.99View

$729.99

$729.99

See all prices

Samsung Galaxy S24$649.99$549.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 27, 2025

Samsung Galaxy S24$649.99$549.99ViewSee all prices

Samsung Galaxy S24 Models

Samsung Galaxy S24

Samsung Galaxy S24

Amazon

$649.99$549.99View

$649.99$549.99

$549.99

See all prices

Deal endsMon, Jan 27, 2025

Deal endsMon, Jan 27, 2025

Deal endsMon, Jan 27, 2025

Nothing Phone (2)$925ViewSee all prices

Nothing Phone (2)$925ViewSee all prices

Nothing Phone (2) - 256 GB +…

Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing Phone (2)

Amazon

$925View

$925

$925

See all prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Samsung Galaxy S25 family leaked

Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

Astropad Bookcase – girl reading

This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…

Actually, there are a couple…

Netflix logo on smartphone

Your iPhone or iPad might lose Netflix soon – here’s whyNetflix is dropping some support

Netflix is dropping some support

WhatsApp on iPhone

WhatsApp update will soon add messages from other apps, but there’s a catchThird-party chats are coming

Third-party chats are coming

Two women using Instagram on their phones.

Instagram gets a great free upgrade that photo lovers will enjoy mostThis will change your social media game

This will change your social media game

Apple Photos iOS 18

Apple Photos undergoing major changes in iOS 18, but some you’ll never seeApple’s walking some stuff back

Apple’s walking some stuff back

A image of the Google Maps app open on a phone

Google Maps just got a neat design upgrade for freeMaps is becoming simpler to navigate

Maps is becoming simpler to navigate

How to save money on Spotify, music app subscription deals

Spotify U-turn sees must-have feature return for freeHas scrapped making you pay for something you’ve previously enjoyed at no extra cost

Has scrapped making you pay for something you’ve previously enjoyed at no extra cost

Twitter X logo how to change app icon to blue bird

Finally, X is getting a new feature that’s genuinely usefulThe network formerly known as Twitter has undergone a lot of change, this is one of the better ones

The network formerly known as Twitter has undergone a lot of change, this is one of the better ones

WhatsApp on iPhone

WhatsApp working on huge free upgrade that will make video calls much more funTaking a leaf out of Snapchat’s book

Taking a leaf out of Snapchat’s book