Instagram is making it easier for creators to sort their DMs
New DM filters and folders are coming to help creators stay connected with those that matter most.
Instagram is rolling out new tools to help creators cut through the noise in their DMs. For those with busy inboxes, this should make it easier to keep up with the messages that really count, whether it’s from fans, collaborators, or others in the industry.
What’s new?
Instagram’s latest update introduces new filters to the inbox. According to the example, creators will now be able to sort their messages by:
- Story replies
- Unread
- Unanswered
- Followers
- Verified users
Social Media Today notes that the Verified filter was added last November, but now more users can access even more inbox filters.
On top of that, users can now create their own DM folders. That means you can further filter their messages to suit their needs.
These new filters and folders sit alongside Instagram’s existing options (Primary, General, and Requests) found at the top of your Messages inbox. If you don’t like these existing options, you’ll now be able to add or remove these filters (aside from Requests).
Who gets it?
The new features are coming to both Professional and personal accounts with over 100,000 followers. So, if you’re a musician or creator with a big following, you’ll soon have a smoother way to manage your inbox.
Why it matters for artists
DMs are now one of the main ways that fans and collaborators reach out on Instagram. But for creators, it’s easy for important messages to get buried. Just ask T-Pain, who The Verge points out famously discovered he’d accidentally ignored messages from other celebrities for “like two years” because they were stuck in Requests.
For artists, this update could be highly useful. Imagine missing a booking request or a collab opportunity. At the same time, it allows you to keep fan interactions organised so you can still show love to the people supporting your music.
The bigger picture
Instagram is leaning harder into messaging as it becomes the most common way people are using the platform. By adding new DM filters, the app is helping creators stay on top of their most important conversations.
For artists, this tool could help them manage relationships between fans, collaborations and within the industry.