Discover the Secret Fun: How to Play Instagram’s Emoji Ping Pong Game
Are you stuck in the endless cycle of refreshing your Instagram DMs, hoping for a reply from your crush or a friend? Maybe it’s time to stop watching that message “seen” indicator and dive into some unexpected fun right within Instagram’s messaging feature. Instagram has quietly rolled out a hidden gem that can transform your waiting time into an enthralling gaming session with its emoji ping pong game.
What is the Emoji Ping Pong Game?
Inspired by Atari’s classic game from the 1970s, Pong, Instagram’s Emoji Ping Pong is a delightful easter egg that converts your Direct Message (DM) interactions into a playful ping pong match. This game is Instagram’s innovative approach to making the user experience more interactive and fun, especially when the anticipation of a reply becomes a bit too much. According to a statement from a Meta spokesperson to The Sun, the aim is to enhance the enjoyment of connecting with friends on the platform.
Getting Started with the Game
Initiating a game is as simple as sending an emoji. Here’s what you need to do:
- Send an emoji in a DM: Jump into a DM and send any emoji to a friend. It works both ways, so you can either send a new emoji or tap on an existing one in your chat.
- Engage in a solo match: Once an emoji is tapped, it will start bouncing around your screen. You’ll see a paddle at the bottom, and your goal is to keep the emoji afloat, turning your screen into an impromptu ping pong table.
- Score points: Every time you successfully hit the emoji, you earn points. As you progress, the emoji speeds up, making the game more challenging.
The choice of emoji adds a personalized touch to the game, with different emojis causing the background color to change, adding to the visual appeal of this hidden game.
Why It’s the Perfect Time-Killer
While the emoji ping pong game is currently a solo adventure, it’s a perfect quick diversion. Whether you’re waiting for a reply or just need a brief mental break, this game provides a light-hearted entertainment option. Players have already been sharing their high scores and experiences on social platforms like Reddit, expressing delight and surprise upon discovering the game.
Though there isn’t an option yet to play directly against friends, the introduction of such a feature could take Instagram’s social interaction to a whole new level. For now, it remains an engaging way to pass the time and maybe start a fun conversation about high scores and game strategies with your friends.
Instagram’s introduction of the emoji ping pong game is a creative nod to nostalgia, with a modern twist. It represents the platform’s ongoing effort to engage users in unique ways beyond the traditional scrolling and liking. So, the next time you find yourself impatiently waiting for a message, why not give this hidden game a try? It might just turn your frustration into fun, and who knows, by the time you beat your high score, you might have that long-awaited reply.
Remember, the game is hidden within the DMs, waiting to be discovered. So, whether your message gets seen or not, there’s now a reason to smile and stay engaged with Instagram’s latest playful feature.
Deepika 
Mehek