Instagram has introduced a handful of updates aimed at enhancing direct messages (DMs), making it easier and more engaging for users to connect with friends.
From customizable nicknames to location sharing and hundreds of new stickers, the platform is taking steps to improve how users express themselves and organize meetups.
17 New Sticker Packs
Instagram DMs now come equipped with 17 new sticker packs, offering over 300 stickers for users to share. These additions provide a fun and creative way to convey feelings, reactions, and inside jokes when words fall short.
A refreshed sticker tray makes finding and using stickers more intuitive. Users can also mark their favorite stickers shared by friends or even save custom creations, ensuring they’re always handy for future chats.
DM Nicknames
Instagram now lets users add nicknames to friends or themselves within DMs. This feature is perfect for inside jokes, simplifying long usernames, or adding a personal touch to conversations.
Creating nicknames is straightforward:
Nicknames only appear within DM chats, ensuring that your public profile remains unchanged.
Live Location Sharing
Users can now also share their live location privately in DMs for up to one hour or drop a pin on a map to arrange meetups, find friends in crowded places, or plan activities.
Live location sharing is off by default and can only be shared within a specific chat. It cannot be forwarded to other chats. Location sharing expires after one hour and can be stopped anytime.
This feature is currently limited to select countries and is ideal for events like concerts, festivals, or casual meetups.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
