A Year of Updates and a Focus on Fostering Connection Through Messaging

A Year of Updates

Instagram has been heavily investing in its direct messaging (DM) features, rolling out over 20 updates in the past year. This focus on DMs reflects a shift in how users interact on the platform, with messaging becoming the primary mode of communication.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, acknowledged this change, stating that while Instagram was initially known for its photo feed, user behavior has evolved. Today, DMs are the main avenue for creative expression and connection on the app.

This emphasis on messaging is evident in the numerous updates implemented throughout the year. In March 2024, features like message editing and read receipts were introduced. Subsequent months saw the rollout of AI-powered features, including user-created AI characters and AI-generated DM themes.

Further emphasizing its commitment to messaging, Instagram tested moving the DM button to the main navigation bar in November 2024. This change would make accessing DMs more convenient and further highlight their importance within the app.

Looking ahead, Mosseri has declared 2025 a year of "doubling down" on messaging. This focus aligns with Instagram's broader priorities of fostering creativity and connection among its users.

| Feature | Launch Date |

|---|---|

| Message editing | March 2024 |

| Read receipts | March 2024 |

| User-created AI characters | July 2024 |

| AI-generated DM themes | September 2024 |

| DM button relocation test | November 2024 |