Instagram has introduced a series of new features to enhance its Direct Messaging (DM) functionality, aiming to create a more personalized experience for users in their private conversations. The updates include options to edit messages, pin chats, control read receipts, and additional features. Concurrently, Meta’s newest platform, Threads, has received gesture-based controls to improve user interaction. This rollout comes shortly after Instagram launched a new lock screen widget for iOS, enabling users to quickly capture photos or videos for their Stories.
Exciting New DM Features on Instagram
The social media giant announced these updates in a blog post, noting that private messaging is vital for daily connections among users, and these enhancements are designed to elevate the overall messaging experience.
One standout addition is the ability to edit sent messages. Following a similar feature on WhatsApp, users will now have a 15-minute window to make changes to their messages after sending them. This can be done by pressing and holding the sent message, after which a dropdown menu will appear where the user can select edit.
Another increase in functionality allows users to pin up to three chats—either group chats or one-on-one conversations—at the top of their inbox for easier access. Users can pin a chat by swiping left or pressing and holding on the chat within the inbox and selecting the pin option.
This update also empowers users with more control over their read receipts, allowing them to manage privacy settings more effectively. Users can disable read receipts for all conversations or select specific chats. To turn off read receipts for all chats, navigate to Account Settings > Messages and story replies > Show read receipts and toggle the setting. For individual chats, users should enter the specific chat, tap on the user’s name, select Privacy and safety, locate Read receipts, and toggle it off. These controls are uniformly available on both Android and iOS platforms.
In addition, Instagram is now offering users the ability to save their favorite stickers, which can be easily showcased at the top of the sticker screen. Users can simply press and hold a preferred sticker to save it. Furthermore, three new themes—Love, Lollipop, and Avatar: The Last Airbender—have been introduced to enrich user experience.
Threads Introduces a New Feature
According to a report from 9to5Mac, Threads has also launched a noteworthy feature. Users can now swipe right to like a post or swipe left to hide it while navigating through the For You tab. Currently, this feature is limited to this specific area of the app, and it remains unclear if it will be expanded to other sections in future updates.
