Instagram update lets you share music via DMs, plus more new features
Instagram’s newest DM features boost music discoverability and engagement.
Instagram has rolled out a number of new features to its Direct Messages (DMs), designed to improve communication and content sharing between friends and family. Available globally on iOS and Android, the update includes new ways to share music, message translations, scheduled messages, pinned content, and group chat QR codes. These additions signal Instagram’s continued push to enhance messaging, making it easier to stay engaged with those around you.
Share music easily in DMs
One of the most exciting updates is the ability to share music directly in 1:1 and group chats. This feature streamlines how users discover and engage with songs, making it a valuable tool for artists looking for people to discover their music organically.
How to share music in DMs:
- Open a chat and tap the sticker tray.
- Select the ‘Music’ option and search for a song from Instagram’s audio library.
- Tap the track to send a 30-second preview, displayed as a spinning vinyl of the album cover.
For artists, this means fans can now share your music in conversations, leading to greater exposure opportunities. This feature offers a direct way to get your music shared in front of more people through personal recommendations.
Break language barriers with message translations
Instagram’s new DM translation feature removes language barriers, making global conversations easier. Meta’s translation tool delivers increasingly accurate translation in 99 languages, making international fan interactions smoother.
Here’s how to translate a message:
- Press and hold the message in another language.
- Tap “Translate.”
- The translated message appears beneath the original message.
For artists, this will allow you to engage with your fan base across the globe, strengthening those fan relationships worldwide. It also makes it easier to connect with global artists if you’re looking to collaborate and expand your reach that way.
Schedule messages
Instagram has now officially announced its DM scheduling feature, something initially reported on back in December 2024. This feature makes it helpful to connect with friends and family without worrying about timing.
Whether announcing new music, promoting an event, or reminding fans about an upcoming release, this feature ensures messages can be sent at the right time without manual effort.
How to schedule a DM:
- Type your message.
- Hold down the send button.
- A scheduling pop-up will appear, letting you select the date and time you would like your message to be sent.
- Tap “Send” to finish scheduling your message.
Pin messages, memes & key content
Last year, Instagram let users pin up to three chats in their DM inbox. Now, you can pin up to three specific messages, including images, memes, and Reels, within a conversation. This ensures that key messages don’t get lost in active chats.
How to pin a message:
- Hold down on a message, image, meme, or Reel.
- Tap “Pin” to keep it at the top of the chat.
- To unpin, repeat the process and select “Unpin.”
Easily add people to group chats with QR codes
Instagram has introduced QR code invites, making it easier to add people to group chats. This is particularly useful for fan communities, joining new teams, or industry networking groups.
How to generate a QR code invite:
- Open the group chat.
- Tap on the group name at the top.
- Select “Invite Link,” then “QR Code.”
- Share the QR code in person, via DM, or save it to your camera roll.
Group chat admins can refresh the QR code at any time, providing control over who can join.
For artists and industry professionals, this could be a great way to grow and manage fan communities or industry networking chats.
Instagram’s growing focus on DMs
With these new features, Instagram is continuing to enhance its DM capabilities, making it a more competitive messaging platform. Instagram will be hoping these updates help drive more engagement and connection within their app, reflecting the platform’s commitment to improving the user experience.
For musicians and industry insiders, these updates provide a new way to boost discoverability, facilitate deeper fan connections, and create more meaningful interactions.