People often use DMs to keep in touch and share updates with their friends on Instagram. Whether it’s sharing your mood or finding time to catch up IRL, we’re introducing new features to help you connect with friends in your DMs. With 17 new sticker packs, an updated DM sticker tray, nicknames for you and your crew, and location sharing to make hangouts easier.
Say it with stickers
Capture a feeling, or find the right reaction to a funny reel with new stickers in DMs. There are 17 new sticker packs and over 300 new stickers to share in your DMs when words just aren’t enough. Plus, now you will be able to favorite a sticker from your chat so that you can re-use stickers shared by friends or those you create with cutouts, too.
Nicknames for you and your crew
You can now customize names across DMs by adding a nickname for yourself or friends. Share an inside joke with a nickname to make your friends smile, or simplify lengthy usernames so it’s easier to recognize. Nicknames only appear in your DM chats, and won’t change your username anywhere else on IG. You’re always in control and can change your nickname at any time, and you can decide who can change your nickname within a chat. By default this is set to people you follow, but you can also change this so only you can update your nickname.
To create a nickname, tap on the chat name at the top of your conversation. Then, tap on Nicknames and the username of the person you want to add a nickname for in the chat.
Hangouts made easier with location sharing
Now in your DMs, you can share your live location for up to 1 hour or pin a spot on the map to coordinate arrival times, activities or find each other in crowded spaces - perfect for concerts, outings, or other gatherings with friends. Spend more time together, and less time coordinating.
Live location can only be shared privately in DMs, either in a 1:1 or group chat, will expire after 1 hour, and is off by default. When sharing, only those in the specific chat can see your location and your location can’t be forwarded to other chats. You’ll also see an indicator at the top of your chat to ensure you don’t forget that you’re sharing your live location. You can stop sharing your location any time. Remember to always be mindful of your privacy and only share your location with people you know in real life.
Location sharing features are currently only available in select countries.
RELATED ARTICLES