Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for managing messages in an instant messaging chat session. A computer receives a directed message in the instant messaging chat session, wherein the directed message includes an identification of one or more accounts associated with individuals in the instant messaging chat session. The computer determines accounts associated with individuals in the instant messaging chat session that correspond to the directed message, wherein the accounts associated with individuals that correspond to the directed message include an account associated with an individual that sent the directed message, and the one or more accounts associated with individuals identified in the directed message. The computer displays directed message notifications to the determined accounts associated with individuals that correspond to the directed message. In another embodiment, the computer receives a response to a directed message, and updates the directed message notifications.