Instagram is introducing new updates to DMs, giving users more ways to express themselves. The updates include live location sharing, nicknames and 17 new sticker packs.
Starting with DMs, people can now share their live location for up to an hour in private DMs or group chats. Apart from live location sharing, a spot on the map can be pinned and shared in the DMs to coordinate hangouts such as concerts or gatherings. Instagram says location sharing cannot be forwarded to other chats, and only people in those specific chats can see the location being shared. Location sharing will expire automatically after an hour, but the sharer also has the option to stop sharing at any time. Instagram says live location sharing is only available in “select countries” now.
Another new feature available in DMs is nicknames. Private and group chat names can be customised. Users can now create nicknames for themselves or their friends. Nicknames do not affect usernames, and they will only appear in DMs. Users can control their nicknames and decide who can change them anytime.
Finally, the DMs have been updated with 17 new sticker packs and over 300 new stickers. Users can now easily favourite a sticker to reuse in chats.
Instagram has been rolling out updates to improve the platform. Last week, the company gave all users, including teens, the ability to reset their algorithm for recommendations.
Image: Instagram
