Instagram jazzes up its DMs with stickers, photo editing, and themes

Meta-owned Instagram is jazzing up the inbox by adding new features for photo editing, sticker creation and themes. The company is trying to make Instagram more appealing as a messaging app with features to make conversations more engaging. While some of these features might not sound new, it’s all about removing friction for users that might prevent them from sending a message.

In addition, the inbox — or DMs (direct messages) — are a competitive feature for social apps, including Meta’s Threads, which is taking on Twitter/X. While other startups like Bluesky are integrating DMs directly into their app, Threads is still relying on Instagram’s existing DMs for those who want to connect privately.

With today’s release of new features, Instagram users will gain access to a sticker maker in the direct messages interface. Here, you’ll be able to take a photo from the library and use a cutout of an object to create a reaction sticker. Earlier this year, WhatsApp gained a similar tool for creating stickers. Plus, you can use the iPhone’s own tool to make stickers that you can use across the apps.

Instagram will also let you add stickers or draw over a photo before sending it to a friend. These tools were previously available in the Stories composer, so if you wanted to send an image with stickers or scribbles, you had to save that photo and then send it through a DM. Now, you’ll be able to apply these edits directly within the chat interface.

Another new feature will allow users to post a note on their own birthday so their friends can wish them a happy birthday. When they tap on the note, they will see a cake effect and confetti animation on the screen. Celebrating birthdays has been a feature that makes Facebook sticky, even after all these years, so making birthday celebrations a bigger part of Instagram could help keep users engaged with the app, despite the growing competition from TikTok and others.

Similar to other messaging apps, Instagram will also introduce new themes for chat, such as “Fall” and “Sabrina Carpenter.”

Earlier this week, Instagram added a new feature that lets users comment on Stories, which is also designed to increase engagement.