Instagram is actively developing a feature that will enable users to disable read receipts within Direct Messages. While the timeframe for the rollout remains unconfirmed by the platform, the initiative marks a significant shift in user control over message privacy. Currently, WhatsApp—also owned by Meta—offers a similar feature, allowing users to manage visibility regarding whether their messages have been read. In contrast, Facebook Messenger does not currently provide an option to disable read receipts.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, shared details about the testing of this feature in a message on his broadcast channel. The planned functionality would allow users to hide their read status, preventing others from knowing whether they have viewed a message in a conversation. Users can choose to maintain the standard setting if they prefer.
Despite the announcement, Mosseri did not specify when the feature might be made available to the wider user base. Once released, users will be able to find and activate the option in the privacy settings of the app. Notably, the current menu layout appears different from what Mosseri displayed, hinting at a potential redesign of the application’s interface.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, also mentioned the testing of this feature on his broadcast channel but did not clarify if Messenger would receive a similar update to its messaging settings.
In addition to the read receipts feature, Instagram has revealed plans to introduce a collaborative media feature. This will allow users to add photos or videos to an existing image carousel, contingent upon the original poster’s approval. This enhancement aims to foster more collaboration among users on the platform.
Moreover, Instagram has indicated that it is exploring new options for content customization within user feeds. It plans to test a feature allowing users to select their preferred content through three curated choices: Following, Favorites, and Meta Verified.
