Huge free Instagram upgrade adds a host of new features

TechSoftwareAppsHuge free Instagram upgrade adds a host of new featuresMakes messaging more intuitiveWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Makes messaging more intuitive

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)

Instagram on iPhone

(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)

Quick SummaryInstagram has added a number of key new features to its app that improve direct messaging.There are some fun additions, such as new themes and personalisations, while some are more functional.

Instagram has added a number of key new features to its app that improve direct messaging.There are some fun additions, such as new themes and personalisations, while some are more functional.

Instagram has added a number of key new features to its app that improve direct messaging.

There are some fun additions, such as new themes and personalisations, while some are more functional.

Instagram’s latest update is targeted directly at its DMs section, making messaging a bit more intuitive and flexible.

Well, the latest app update is one you’ll want to get downloaded because it brings a list ofuseful features to DMs. The first is the ability to pin chats to the top of your inbox for quicker access.

The new Instagram features

You can pin up to three chats, whether they’re groups or one-to-one conversations. All it takes is swiping left on a chat and choosing the “Pin” option. That’ll be very familiar to users of WhatsApp, which works in a very similar way.

Also arriving in Instagram is the option to turn read receipts on or off globally or per chat. This is a new setting in your account settings, under the “Messages and story replies” section, and is great if you get a bit anxious about replying to things immediately.

Image1of5Edit messages(Image credit: Instagram)Pin chats(Image credit: Instagram)Toggle read receipts(Image credit: Instagram)Save favourite stickers(Image credit: Instagram)Personalise chats(Image credit: Instagram)

Image1of5

Edit messages(Image credit: Instagram)Pin chats(Image credit: Instagram)Toggle read receipts(Image credit: Instagram)Save favourite stickers(Image credit: Instagram)Personalise chats(Image credit: Instagram)

Edit messages(Image credit: Instagram)

Instagram March 2024 update

Pin chats(Image credit: Instagram)

Instagram March 2024 update

Toggle read receipts(Image credit: Instagram)

Instagram March 2024 update

Save favourite stickers(Image credit: Instagram)

Instagram March 2024 update

Personalise chats(Image credit: Instagram)

Instagram March 2024 update

The sticker system is also being slightly upgraded, letting you long-press stickers to save them as favourites that will be easier to find in the future.

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An Avatar: The Last Airbender theme also suggests that there will be plenty more branded tie-ins down the line. The whole thing is a big throwback to the days of funky chat backgrounds on the likes of MSN Messenger.

The update to bring all these little tweaks and features to your Instagram app should be rolling out now, so you’ll either get it very soon if you have auto-updating turned on.

Alternatively, you can head to the App Store orGooglePlay Store forAndroid phonesto manually update your app and get them immediately if it’s available.

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The new Instagram features#

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The new Instagram features

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