Instagram Introduces Live Location Sharing in DMs
Instagram has launched an exciting update that allows users to share their live location through direct messages (DMs). This feature, which is already popular on other platforms, is a first for Instagram. It comes with privacy-focused controls to ensure users feel secure while using it.
Share Real-Time Location for Up to One Hour
With Instagram’s new live-location sharing, users can share their real-time location for up to one hour in both one-on-one and group chats. This feature is especially helpful for coordinating meetups, locating friends at crowded events, or syncing arrival times for outings.
Privacy Controls for Location Sharing
Instagram has designed the feature with privacy in mind. By default, live-location sharing is turned off, and it is only visible to participants in the specific chat. A clear indicator in the chat alerts users when location sharing is active. Users can stop sharing their location at any time. Instagram encourages responsible use, advising users to share their location only with trusted friends or family. Currently, the feature is available in select countries, though Instagram has not disclosed the full list of regions.
New Stickers to Enhance Conversations
In addition to live-location sharing, Instagram has introduced 17 new sticker packs, featuring over 300 creative stickers. These stickers add a fun and expressive element to conversations, allowing users to communicate emotions or add personality to their messages. You can even reuse stickers shared by friends or create your own using custom cutouts, adding more ways to get creative in DMs.
Personalize Chats with Nicknames
Instagram has also rolled out a new nicknaming feature, allowing users to assign nicknames to friends or even themselves in DMs. This feature is ideal for inside jokes, simplifying long usernames, or adding a personal touch. Nicknames are visible only in private chats and won’t affect usernames anywhere else on the app. To create a nickname, users simply tap the chat name at the top of a conversation, select the “Nicknames” option, and set a new name. Users can also control who can change nicknames in a chat, with the default setting allowing changes only by mutual followers.
