In a bid to enhance user experience, Meta has introduced five new features on Instagram, bringing some familiar functionalities from WhatsApp to the popular photo-sharing platform. Let’s explore these additions that aim to make messaging on Instagram more dynamic and user-friendly.
1. Edit Message: A WhatsApp-inspired Feature on Instagram
Previously, Instagram users faced challenges when it came to editing messages after sending them. Meta has now addressed this issue by introducing an ‘Edit Message’ feature for Direct Messages (DMs). Within 15 minutes of sending a message, users can tap and hold on the message, navigate to the menu, select the ‘Edit’ option, make the necessary changes, and then hit ‘Done.’ This brings a level of flexibility similar to WhatsApp’s message-editing capabilities to Instagram.
2. Pin Message: Organizing Chats Made Simpler
The addition of the ‘Pin Message’ feature allows users to pin up to three chat boxes from their Instagram direct message inbox. Whether it’s a personal chat or a group conversation, users can now prioritize and pin specific chats for easy access. To use this feature, swipe right on the chat you want to pin, and choose from options like Pin, Mute, or Delete.
3. Read Receipts: Enhancing Privacy with WhatsApp-like Controls
Similar to WhatsApp’s read receipts, Instagram users can now control whether their read receipts are visible or not. By navigating to account settings, tapping on ‘Messages’ and ‘Story Replies,’ users can find the option to enable or disable read receipts. This offers greater privacy, as senders won’t be notified whether the recipient has read their message.
4. Chat Themes: Adding Personalization to Chats
Instagram users can now select chat themes based on their preferences. Meta has introduced new themes such as Love, Lollipop, and Avatar for users to customize their chat experience. This feature enables users to change chat themes according to their mood or style, adding a touch of personalization to their conversations.
5. Favorite Sticker: Quick Access to Preferred Stickers
Instagram now allows users to save their favorite stickers in DMs for quick and easy access. By pressing and holding a sticker, users can save it, ensuring that it appears at the top of their sticker library for future use. This feature streamlines the sticker-selection process, making it convenient for users to access their preferred stickers.
These new features from Meta aim to make Instagram Direct Messages more versatile and enjoyable for users. By incorporating functionalities inspired by WhatsApp, Instagram continues to evolve as a dynamic and user-centric social media platform.