In the past year, Instagram has quietly but significantly transformed the way people use direct messages. More than 20 new features have been added to the platform’s DM experience, ranging from practical tools to creative enhancements .
This is not a small change. Direct messaging is now one of the most active parts of Instagram, with users spending more time in private conversations than in public comments or likes. The updates reflect how Meta sees messaging becoming the central hub for interaction.
What Are the New Features?
Business Insider reports that Instagram’s DM upgrades fall into several categories :
- Utility and Productivity
- Edit sent messages.
- Pin important chats to the top.
- Schedule messages for later.
- Translate messages in real time.
Why it matters: These functions make Instagram DMs operate more like full messaging apps (WhatsApp, Slack), where people manage daily conversations.
- AI and Personalization
- AI-generated stickers.
- Smart chat themes that adjust the look and feel of conversations.
- Suggested replies based on conversation context.
Why it matters: AI tools aim to make conversations faster, more creative, and more personalized without leaving the app.
- Community and Group Features
- Broadcast Channels for creators to share updates with followers.
- New group chat tools including polls, admin controls, and enhanced moderation.
- Larger file and media sharing.
Why it matters: These updates allow creators, influencers, and communities to engage audiences at scale directly inside Instagram DMs.
- Creative Expression
- Music sharing directly inside chats.
- Doodles and drawing tools.
- Custom emoji reactions and stickers.
Why it matters: DMs are no longer just for text, they’re becoming a space for creative interaction similar to Stories or Reels.
Why Instagram Is Doing This
According to Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, more sharing now happens privately in DMs than through feed posts or stories . In other words, the app’s social activity is moving away from public engagement into private, smaller conversations.
By expanding DM features, Instagram is making sure it remains competitive with apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat, where users are already used to fast, flexible, and feature-rich messaging (Business Insider) .
What This Means for Users and Brands
- For users: DMs now feel more like a multi-purpose messaging app where you can chat, plan, share, and even join communities, all without leaving Instagram.
- For creators: Broadcast Channels and group tools provide new ways to reach followers directly, bypassing the feed algorithm.
- For businesses: Conversations with customers are shifting from comments to private DMs, making it important to pay attention to features like pinned chats, translations, and AI replies.
Conclusion
Instagram’s 20+ new DM features show how quickly private messaging is becoming the core of social media. Whether it’s AI stickers, scheduled chats, or creator Broadcast Channels, the app is moving beyond likes and into conversations.
For both users and brands, understanding these updates is essential because the way people connect on Instagram is changing and most of it now happens in DMs.