Instagram is rolling out a slew of new DM features to make messaging more convenient

Instagram has rolled out several new features for its Direct Messages (DM) section that will likely improve private conversations and make the experience more personalized. New Instagram DM features include the option to edit messages, pin a chat, read receipt controls, and more. Meta’s latest social media platform Threads has also received new gesture-based controls for its app. Notably, the new features arrive just days after Instagram added a new lock screen widget for iOS that lets users quickly snap a photo or shoot a video for Stories.

New Instagram DM Features

The social media platform announced the new features via a blog post, highlighting that private messaging remains one of the primary ways users connect on a daily basis, and these new features aim to improve the overall experience.

One of the most notable features is the option to edit messages. Like WhatsApp, another Meta-owned platform, Instagram will also allow users to edit a message up to 15 minutes after sending it. To edit a message, users need to press and hold the sent message and after the drop-down menu appears, select editing.

Pinning chats to the top of the inbox is also changing. Users can now pin up to three chats – group or individual – for easy access. To pin a chat, simply swipe left or tap and hold a chat on the inbox screen and select pin option.

With this update, users will finally get more control over their read receipts, increasing their privacy on the platform. Users can now turn off read receipts for all chats or a select few. The process is simple. To turn it off for all chats, go to Account settings > Messages and replies to stories > Show read receiptsand turn it on or off.

For individual chats, users will need to go to the specific chat where they want to turn off read receipts. Then tap on their name and select Privacy and security. In the list find Read receipts option and turn it off. The controls work the same on both Android and iOS.

In addition, Instagram also added a way for users to save their favorite stickers and have them appear at the top of the sticker screen. To do this, users simply need to press and hold the preferred sticker and it will automatically be saved. Additionally, three new themes — Love, Lollipop and Avatar: The Last Airbender — have been added.

Threads get a new feature

According to a report from 9to5Mac, Threads also got an interesting feature. When using the app and scrolling through the For You tab, users will be able to swipe right to like a post and swipe left to hide it. The feature reportedly only works in this specific environment and it is not certain if it will be added to other sections of the app.