Instagram now allows users to share their live location privately through DMs in specific regions. This functionality lasts for up to one hour, assisting with coordination, such as meeting friends or tracking arrivals. Users can also pin specific locations on the map, simplifying the sharing of precise destinations. Live location sharing remains private, accessible only in one-on-one or group chats. By default, the feature is turned off, and only participants within the chat can view the shared location. It cannot be forwarded or distributed elsewhere. A visible indicator within the chat alerts users when live location sharing is active, and they can disable it at any moment before the hour expires.
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New Stickers for Chats
To make chats more fun, Instagram adds 17 new sticker packs and over 300 stickers. Users can send these stickers in their DMs when words might not feel like enough. Stickers shared by others can also be saved to use again, thanks to a new favourite feature. Another update allows users to add nicknames for themselves or their friends in DMs. These nicknames are private to each chat and don’t affect usernames elsewhere on Instagram. Nicknames can be updated at any time, and users have control over who can change them.
By default, only people followed by the user can make changes to nicknames, but this can be set so that only the user can do so. These updates aim to make chats more personal, private, and engaging. Live location sharing helps with real-time planning, while stickers add fun and flair to messages.
The nickname tool gives chats a touch of individuality, letting users keep their chats unique to their groups or friends. With these small yet useful changes, Instagram shows its focus on making private chats more interactive and helpful for users. These features should roll out more broadly over time.
