Instagram Upgrades DMs

Instagram is upgrading its direct messages, also known as DMs, with a handful of new features that make its messaging system more competitive with alternatives, like Apple’s iMessage and other third-party apps. Instagram users globally will gain access to tools to translate messages across 99 languages, tools to schedule and pin messages to their chats, music-sharing features, and more. Notes Instagram, the new features will be initially available to both iOS and Android users, as web access will not arrive until later. The music-sharing addition could particularly appeal to younger users who often discover new music through social apps like Instagram and TikTok. To access the feature, you’ll tap on the sticker button in the chat composer screen, then tap on “Music.” You’ll then be able to search for music and share a 30-second preview of any song in Instagram’s music library through group chats or a broadcast channel. In addition to sharing music between friends, the option could help artists reach their fans through their social media following. Instagram will publicly launch the music-sharing feature with JENNIE and Doechii, who will test sharing in their Instagram broadcast channels. Other new tools will make it easier for people to use Instagram DMs as their main chat app, including an option to translate messages sent or received in another language. At launch, 99 languages are supported.