5 New Instagram DM Features Just Dropped
Instagram DMs just got a creative upgrade—and it’s packed with interesting new features. From scheduling messages to using QR codes for group chats, Instagram is making it easier (and more fun) to connect with your friends or audience. Plus, we know your schedule’s busy, so we’ve included time-saving tips to help you manage your DMs.
5 New Features for your DMs
On average, we spend the most time on Instagram engaging with Stories and DMs. Now, Instagram has introduced five new features that can help you connect even better with your friends or audience through private messages.
Schedule your DMs
Ever wanted to schedule a birthday message for your most important contacts because you keep forgetting them? Now you can.
Instagram already has a step-by-step guide on how to schedule your DMs.
💡Note: So far you can only schedule text messages. Photos, videos or GIFs can’t be scheduled for later.
Translate Messages
Communicating across the globe has just gotten easier! To translate a message in your chat, simply press and hold the message sent or received in another language and tap “Translate.” The translated message will appear below the original one in your conversation.
Pin Content
Last year, Instagram introduced the option to pin up to three chat threads in your DM inbox—a handy way to preserve hilarious or important moments in your conversations.
Now, with a new update, you can pin specific messages (text, images, memes, or even Reels) to the top of any 1:1 or group chat. To pin or unpin a message, simply hold down the message and tap ‘pin’ or ‘unpin.’ You can pin up to three messages per conversation.
Share Music
You can now browse Instagram’s audio library and share songs directly within your Instagram DMs—no need to leave the conversation. Tap on the song you want to share, and a 30-second preview will be sent.
Share QR Code for Group Chats
QR codes are a fast and easy way to share your profile, promote your business, or connect with new people. Now, Instagram has introduced QR codes for group chats, allowing you to easily invite new members to your chats.
The announcement of a global rollout came 19 February but might take some time until it’s available on your device.
Broadcast Channels: DMs at Scale
Another interesting way (especially for creators) to engage with audiences is through broadcast channels.
Broadcast channels are basically Instagram DMs sent to many people at the same time. Introduced in 2023, they are still being rolled out globally. These channels were Instagram’s response to the growing trend of users mainly communicating through DMs and Stories.
This one-to-many messaging feature allows creators to share images, videos, post links, audio messages, and polls in private messages, enabling direct interaction with followers.
It raises the question of how you can effectively DM with hundreds of people—wouldn’t it cause chaos? Well, initially replies weren’t allowed, but Instagram has since introduced the option. It’s up to the administrators of the channel to decide whether or not to enable replies.
This feature offers an additional way to keep your community informed and engaged.
Managing Your DMs: Time-Saving Tools
Whether it’s Instagram DMs or messages on other social media platforms, managing your inbox can be overwhelming—especially when you’re handling multiple accounts for different clients. Here’s a list of tools we recommend to save you loads of time while managing your comments and Instagram DMs (and more).
For replying to comments and messages:
- Metricool’s Unified Inbox: All comments and DMs from all platforms in one place, making it easier to stay on top of your conversations.
To send DMs automatically:
- Manychat: the all-in-one, comment and private messaging automation tool for Facebook MSN, Instagram DMs, and WhatsApp.
- Tidio: the tool for beginners, with pristine delivery and external integrations like Zapier.
- Freshworks: ideal if you have an e-commerce business, automate sales, and want to offer the attention your customers deserve.
Want to know more interesting apps to manage your DMs? Check out our article:
