image credit: Brett Jordan

From scheduling messages to creator-friendly filters, here are Instagram’s latest DM updates.

Instagram has quietly introduced a DM scheduling feature, allowing users to send messages at a specific date and time. While the feature hasn’t been announced by Instagram, it’s already rolling out globally and offers practical benefits for both regular users and creators.

Screenshot from Instagram.

For everyday users, scheduling messages is especially helpful when connecting with friends and family across different time zones. You can use it to send future reminders or important messages without worrying about timing, or forgetting. 

For creators and brands, scheduling DMs makes managing outreach and engagement easier, ensuring messages hit at optimal times for better visibility and response rates.

How to schedule a DM on Instagram

Scheduling a DM is simple and straightforward:

  1. Type out your message as usual.
  2. Long-press the send button.
  3. A scheduling pop-up will appear, allowing you to choose the date and time you want the message to be sent.

Currently, Instagram allows users to schedule messages up to 29 days in advance- believe me, I tried it myself! A notification banner will appear at the bottom of the chat, displaying the number of scheduled messages until they are delivered.

What else is new to Instagram DMs?

The DM scheduling tool follows a series of recent updates aimed at improving the Instagram messaging experience:

  • Nicknames in chats: Users can now create nicknames for themselves and others within individual chats, personalising conversations.
  • New stickers: Fresh interactive stickers have been added to enhance how users engage with friends.
  • Live-location sharing: Instagram now offers live location sharing within chats, rivalling Apple’s Find My and Snapchat’s Snap Map. This feature is perfect for coordinating meet-ups in crowded places, allowing users to share their real-time location directly with friends.

Creator-focused updates

Instagram has also introduced updates specifically designed to make messaging easier for creators:

  • Advanced message filters: Creators can now filter their message requests based on metrics such as:
    • Follower count
    • Verified accounts
    • Brands
    • Other creators
    • And more!

This change makes it easier for creators to identify high-priority messages, such as business deals with brands and partnership opportunities with collaborators.

  • Story Replies folder: Story replies now have their own dedicated folder, helping to declutter regular messages.

Instagram implemented these changes following creator feedback about the difficulty of managing DMs.

Instagram’s continued improvements to DMs reflect a clear focus on user experience and creator needs. These updates highlight the platform’s commitment to making the DM experience more seamless and efficient for everyone.