Instagram has rolled out one of its most requested features by users (and it’s not the chronological feed). The social network now allows you to edit direct messages sent to your contacts, a handy option in case of typos or if you forgot to include a phrase or word. This feature replaces the workaround of canceling the message and drafting a new one, which some users resort to on the platform.
In a post on Meta’s website, Instagram announced the latest updates. Editable messages resemble what we see on WhatsApp, where you can modify the content within the first 15 minutes after sending them.
To do this, simply press on the message and select the “Edit” option from the dropdown menu. If you make changes, a label will be added to let the recipient know that you edited it. It’s important to note that the recipient may have already read the original message if they have notifications enabled.
Message editing isn’t the only tweak coming to this section. Instagram also announced that users can now pin up to three chats in their inbox. This is another feature borrowed from WhatsApp to streamline communication with friends or family. To pin chats to the top of your conversation list, simply press on the chat (or swipe it left) and choose “Pin” from the dropdown menu.
Editing Direct Messages on Instagram Instagram is Emulating WhatsApp Instagram’s update also includes new tools to enhance conversations. You can now save stickers and add them to your favorites list for use in other chats. Stickers are an essential part of messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger. The stickers you save will be added to the top, next to the artificial intelligence button.
Finally, Instagram chats have received new themes to celebrate the launch of Dune 2 and Avatar: The Last Airbender. These themes change the background image and conversation colors, similar to what we see on WhatsApp. Instagram has promised that some of them will receive animated versions in a future update.
Favorite Stickers on Instagram Themes in Instagram Chats According to Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, these updates reflect the changes the platform has undergone in recent years. “If you look at what people share or how they express their creativity, the main vehicle is direct messages. More photos and videos are shared via DM every day than through Stories or the Feed,” he mentioned in a post.
While message editing and favorite stickers are well-received, one setting adjustment stands out among all the updates. Instagram now allows you to disable read receipts, so you can open chats without the other person knowing. Read receipts are the equivalent of WhatsApp’s blue double checkmark, one of the functions almost all users disable.
The changes on Instagram are already available and are being rolled out from the server, so there’s no need to go to the Play Store to update the app. If you don’t see them yet, be patient, as the rollout may be gradual.