Instagram direct messages are on the brink of a big makeover. On Wednesday, Facebook announced plans to essentially integrate Instagram DMs and Facebook Messenger [1], allowing users to communicate across the separate apps if they so please. Simply put, a Facebook Messenger user will soon be able to chat with someone on Instagram without needing to download the Instagram app, and vice versa. Users will have control over whether they want to receive such cross-platform messages. The update will also bring a handful of new Messenger-inspired features to Instagram DMs, including selfie stickers, vanish mode, Watch Together, personalized chat colours, and custom emoji reactions, in addition to enhanced privacy tools.
It's unclear exactly when the upgraded experience will become available in the US, but Facebook said in a blog post that it's starting to roll out in "a few countries around the world," with plans to "expand globally soon." Keep reading ahead to take a closer look at some of the forthcoming updates.
How to Opt Into the Update
When the update is available to you, you'll be presented with this pop-up message on Instagram allowing you to either opt in or out.
Custom Chat Colours
You can personalize your messages with custom colours and themes, such as "pride," "love," and "tie-dye."
Custom Emoji Reactions
Instead of just reacting with a plain ol' red heart emoji, you can create a shortcut that lets you react with any other emoji of your choice.
Selfie Stickers
Transform your selfie into an emoji-inspired sticker to use within conversations.
Vanish Mode
As the name suggests, vanish mode makes messages automatically disappear after they're read or once you close the chat.
Watch Together
Watch Together allows you to tune into videos with family and friends during a video call. This includes IGTV, Facebook Watch, TV shows, movies, and soon, Reels.
Messageing Controls
You have control over who can message you directly, how those messages are sorted, and who cannot communicate with you at all.
Reporting Updates
You can now report full conversations that you may find inappropriate or unwanted, in addition to the previous option to report single messages or users.
Suggested Blocking
If you add your accounts to the new Accounts Centre [3], Instagram and Facebook will proactively suggest accounts to block based on who you've blocked in the past on the other app.