Navigating the Messages Interface
Overview
The Messages interface is designed for clarity and speed.It gives you a complete view of conversations, fan data, and AI controls — all in one place — so your chatters can work efficiently without switching screens. To access it, navigate to Messages in the Substy dashboard sidebar.
You'll see three main areas:
- Inbox Panel (left) – list of all fans and filters.
- Chat Window (center) – the active conversation.
- Fan Profile Panel (right) – insights, notes, and controls for that fan.
Inbox Panel
The inbox panel lists all active and recent conversations.Each fan card shows:
- Their username.
- The most recent message snippet.
- Their total spend (if available).
- Whether the AI or a human is chatting.
From here, you can also:
- Search fans by name or ID.
- Filter by unread messages, spend level, or following status. For advanced filtering options, see Split Inbox and Filters.
- See fans' activity (online status, last seen, etc.).
Use filters to focus on high-value or newly active fans. You can also organize fans into fan lists and segments for targeted outreach.
Chat Window
The center of the screen is your chat window, where you send and receive messages.You can:
- Type manual messages.
- Let the AI respond automatically (if enabled).
- Insert media, scripts, or PPVs. See Sending Messages, Media, and PPVs for details.
- See message timestamps and status (delivered, viewed, paid).
Messages appear chronologically — your replies on the right, fan replies on the left.
Fan Profile Panel
On the right side, you'll find all fan-specific information:
- Timezone and Location – useful for timing messages.
- Financial Insights – total spent, tips, and subscription status.
- Personal Insights – name, age, origin, hobbies, likes, dislikes.
- Fan Notes – custom notes added by your team or the AI. See Managing Fans and Fan Notes for more.
You can also pin fans to keep them visible at the top of your inbox — great for VIPs or ongoing negotiations.
Key Features at a Glance
- AI Toggle (purple icon): turn AI chatting on or off for this fan.
- Pin Button: mark priority conversations for quick access.
- Search Bar: quickly find any fan.
- Tabs: switch between Inbox, Notifications, and Filters.
Why It Matters
The Messages interface is built to streamline the chatter workflow — combining automation with manual control.It allows teams to:
- Manage hundreds of fans without losing context.
- See key stats instantly before replying.
- Switch smoothly between AI and human chat in real time. Learn more about Hybrid Mode and Stop Conditions.
Next: Learn how to organize your inbox and use filtersSplit Inbox and Filters
Related Articles
- Split Inbox and Filters
- Managing Fans and Fan Notes
- Sending Messages, Media, and PPVs
- Notifications Explained
- How to Send Bulk Messages
- Managing Fan Lists and Segments
Updated on: 28/02/2026
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