Instagram is introducing a new feature that allows users to share their live location with friends via direct messages (DMs) for up to one hour. This feature aims to make it easier for people to find each other at events like concerts, outings, or other gatherings.
It works similarly to location-sharing options seen in apps like Snapchat but without a public map, offering a more private experience. Users can share their location either one-on-one or within group chats. However, this feature is disabled by default and is currently available only in select countries, although Instagram has not disclosed which ones.
In addition to location sharing, Instagram is adding a feature that lets users give themselves and their friends nicknames in DMs, including in group chats. This is designed to make conversations more personal and fun. Users have control over who can assign these nicknames and can block others from renaming them if they wish. Importantly, these nicknames are private to specific chats and are not visible to people outside those conversations, ensuring privacy and customization within groups.
Instagram is also rolling out 17 new sticker packs, offering over 300 unique stickers that users can incorporate into their chats. These stickers can be added to conversations to express emotions or reactions, further enhancing the fun and interactive nature of DMs. Additionally, users can mark their favorite stickers, making them easier to access in future chats. The platform also offers the option to create custom stickers by using the cutout feature or generating stickers through AI, adding even more creative possibilities for users.
These updates come as Instagram focuses on improving its messaging features, which have become a central part of the app’s usage. According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, people are now using messages more frequently than the create button, signaling a shift in user behavior. In response, the company is testing a new placement for the chat icon, moving it to the bottom and center of the app’s interface, likely to make messaging more accessible and prominent for users.
These new features reflect Instagram’s continued efforts to make direct messaging a more engaging and personalized experience. With location sharing, nicknames, and expanded sticker options, Instagram aims to enhance how people connect and communicate in the app. By making these tools more accessible and customizable, Instagram is seeking to strengthen its position as a key platform for social interaction and communication.
