Instagram Adds New Stickers, Nicknames & Location Sharing Features for Direct Messages
Instagram announced new features for Direct Messages (DMs).
New Stickers: Users now have access to over 300 new stickers, adding a fun and creative way to enhance conversations with friends and family.
Nicknames: Users can create custom nicknames for themselves and others within DM group chats. These can be updated at any time and are specific to each conversation.
Location Sharing: Users can share their location in 1:1 or group chats, with the option to pin it for up to one hour. This feature is off by default and can be turned on or off at any time, giving users control over their privacy.
Why It Matters: Instagram is rolling out engaging features to enhance how users connect through Direct Messages. Stickers provide a fun way to express emotions and personality, while nicknames add a personal touch, making conversations feel more intimate. Location sharing introduces a Snapchat-like feature, making it easier to coordinate meetups while still giving users control over their privacy.
These updates come after Instagram head Adam Mosseri’s recent announcement that the platform is testing the placement of DMs in the main navigation bar, as more users are interacting with DMs than with the Create button.
With 2024 already packed with updates related to DMs, including more ways to filter requests, these latest changes continue to build on that momentum.