Instagram has announced a significant update to its direct messages (DMs) feature, aimed at improving the messaging experience for creators and influencers who often receive a high volume of messages. The new tools will allow users to sort and filter their "message requests"—messages that don't go directly to their main inbox—based on various criteria.
Key features of this update include:
- Sorting and Filtering: Users can now sort message requests by factors such as follower count, verified accounts, brands, and creators. This enhancement enables creators to prioritize important messages that could impact their business and relationships.
- New Story Replies Folder: A dedicated "Story Replies" folder will consolidate responses to users' stories, making it easier to access and manage these interactions.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, emphasized that these updates were prompted by feedback from creators who find it challenging to manage their DMs. He acknowledged that while this update is a step in the right direction, there is still more work to be done to improve the inbox experience for creators.
The "Sort & Filter" options will be accessible via an overlay on the inbox, allowing users to customize their view. They can sort requests by recency or follower count and can check or uncheck various options to further refine the messages displayed.
This update comes on the heels of other improvements made by Meta to enhance messaging features across its platforms, including WhatsApp, which recently introduced the ability to filter chats using customized lists. Instagram has committed to continuing its investment in DMs to better serve its user base.
