Whether you’re sharing your mood or finding time to catch up IRL, DMs are a great way to connect with your friends, and we’re introducing new features to make it easier and more fun to do that. These features include 17 new sticker packs and an updated DM sticker tray, nicknames for you and your friends and location sharing to make it easier to meet up in person. 

Say It with Stickers

Capture a feeling or find the right reaction with new stickers in DMs. There are 17 new sticker packs with over 300 stickers to share in your DMs when words just aren’t enough. You’ll also be able to favorite stickers from your chats, so you can reuse stickers shared by friends or created with cutouts.

Nicknames for You and Your Friends

You can now customize names across Instagram DMs by adding nicknames for yourself or friends. Share an inside joke with a nickname, or simplify lengthy usernames so your friends are easier to recognize. 

To create a nickname, tap on the chat name at the top of your conversation. Then, tap “Nicknames” and the username of the person in the chat that you want to add a nickname for. Nicknames only appear in your DM chats, and won’t change your username anywhere else on IG. You can change your nickname at any time, and can decide who in a chat is able to change your nickname. 

Hanging Out Made Easier with Location Sharing

Now, in your DMs, you can share your live location for up to 1 hour or pin a spot on the map to coordinate arrival times, activities or find each other in crowded spaces – perfect for concerts, outings, or other gatherings with friends. Spend more time together, and less time coordinating.

Live location can only be shared privately in DMs, either in a 1:1 or group chat, will expire after 1 hour, and is off by default. When sharing, only those in the specific chat can see your location and your location can’t be forwarded to other chats. You’ll also see an indicator at the top of your chat to ensure you don’t forget that you’re sharing your live location. You can stop sharing your location any time.. Remember to always be mindful of your privacy and only share your location with people you know in real life.

Location sharing features are currently only available in select countries.

Head to the Instagram blog to learn more about the different ways you can connect through the app.