I sometimes reply to Instagram stories, with positive messages. For example, recently a young and fairly low-level actor that I've always thought was stand-out, announced on his stories that he has landed the main role in a big upcoming project. This is a huge break for him. So I replied saying congratulations and that I'd always thought he was destined for bigger things because of his magnetism on screen and talent being so palpable. He hasn't seen or replied, I don't care, it's still what i think. Or, if a female celeb posts a story of them dressed up for an event and I think their dress/skin/hair looks great, I'll reply and tell them. Or someone posts their kids and they look cute, I'll say so.
I don't expect a reply. I just think, on the off chance that they ever do read things, it's worth expressing the compliments and kind words so that it may balance out the trolling, hate messages, and weirdos asking for foot pics 🤷♀️ i don't ever feel embarrassed about saying nice things. I also give unprompted compliments to strangers in real life. Life's short, be nice.
And occasionally, I do get replies! Some generic, where it's like a social media manager, but a couple of times I've had full on replies.
For example, I follow an actress who started out as a teen and was pretty but fairly normal looking. She ended up moving to Hollywood and has had some roles (not a-list, but was working steadily). Unsurprisingly, she had a major glow-up once she reached Hollywood. One day during the first covid lock down, she posted a story of her working out at home (gyms all closed). I replied saying well done for the self discipline and that she looks fantastic. I was feeling pretty down about my weight at the time and, thinking she'll never see this message, said I've always struggled with my weight and wished I was able to transform my body in the way she has and asked what diet she follows. She replied!!! Like a full on long message. She didnt give me any of her real diets tips, it was the generic "I listen to my body and intuit what I need to nourish" type diet info, but it was a very kind and supportive message. I think because it was that weird first month of lockdown where everyone felt a bit panicked and weird, and locked in their homes alone, and she was probably bored and lonely. I replied and we had like a bit of a chat back and forth.
So, I wouldn't be embarrassed op. Social media is supposed to be a two-way thing.