Instagram, a widely loved platform for sharing photos and videos, has become a hub for youth and social interactions, thanks to its ever-evolving features. The direct messaging (DM) section, already popular for fostering private conversations, has received an exciting upgrade with three new features aimed at enhancing user engagement and making interactions more lively and personal.

One of the standout updates is the ability for users to assign unique nicknames to their friends within the DM interface. These nicknames, which can include text, numbers, and emojis, are visible only in the specific chat window, adding a playful and personalized touch to conversations. Alongside this, Instagram has rolled out an extensive collection of stickers, akin to WhatsApp stickers, allowing users to express emotions visually, making chats more dynamic and enjoyable.

Another intriguing addition is the live location-sharing feature. Users can now share their real-time location with friends or groups via DMs. This temporary sharing option ensures that location details remain available only for a limited period, automatically expiring after one hour. Unlike its counterparts, this feature requires manual activation as it is turned off by default. While currently limited to certain regions, including India, it adds a layer of convenience for coordinating meetups or keeping loved ones informed. A clear live-indicator appears at the top of the chat when this feature is in use, ensuring transparency.

For nicknames, users have enhanced control over who can assign or modify them, offering a layer of privacy. They can prevent changes to nicknames by others, ensuring the personalization remains intact. Over 17 new sticker packs have been introduced, providing users with diverse ways to convey emotions, ideas, or reactions in their chats.

To set a nickname, simply tap on the person’s name from the chat menu, access the nickname option, and customize it to your liking. These updates reflect Instagram’s commitment to making communication on its platform more creative, fun, and meaningful.