Over the past few days, I’ve spotted a trio of new features for Direct Messages on Instagram:

Search shortcuts are starting to appear at the top of comments on some posts.

Instagram is testing the ability for creators to add captions to their Stories.

Instagram is starting to test a new feature called Blend.

Instagram has started rolling out the ability for more users to share photos in their original aspect ratio.

Instagram has started encouraging users to schedule messages

Instagram is considering launching a standalone app for Reels, according to The Information.

In a recent video, Instagram's Adam Mosseri explained how the algorithm weighs watch time, addressing a user’s question about the “sweet spot” for watch time percentage and whether longer videos are penalized.

Instagram is rolling out Testimonials, a new type of Partnership Ad. Initially tested last year, these are text-only endorsements by creators that appear in ads.

Instagram introduced a handful of new updates for Direct Messages (DMs). They are:

Instagram is testing a new down arrow button next to comments, which has been spotted by a few users and more recently, confirmed by Instagram head Adam Mosseri.