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Highlights
- Instagram adds new inbox filters, customisable shortcuts and DM folders to streamline message organisation.
- It also begins testing PiP playback, allowing users to watch Reels in a floating window while multitasking across other apps.
- DM tools are rolling out to Professional accounts and users with over 100K followers, while PiP aims to improve retention and longer viewing sessions.
Instagram is rolling out new updates to its direct messaging (DM) system, giving users more control over how they organise and respond to messages. At the same time, the platform has reportedly also started live testing a picture-in-picture (PiP) option for Reels, allowing users to watch videos while multitasking outside the app.
New DM Filters and Inbox Management
The latest update introduces additional filters for the inbox, making it easier to manage conversations. Users can now sort their messages by Story replies, Unread, Unanswered, Followers and Verified users.
Instagram originally launched DM filters for Creator accounts in November last year, including a Verified filter. Now, these advanced options are being extended to a wider user base.
In addition, users will be able to customise their DM experience by rearranging filter shortcuts at the top of the inbox. While the “Requests” filter cannot be removed, all other filters can be added or removed as per preference.
Instagram is also introducing DM folders through the new “Folders” option, giving users another way to categorise and organise messages more efficiently.
These updates are particularly useful for creators, influencers, and businesses who receive high volumes of messages. With messaging now surpassing Stories and the main feed as the most common engagement method on Instagram, improved DM management can make communication more efficient.
According to the company, these new features will be available to all Professional accounts and personal accounts with more than 100K followers.
Instagram Tests Picture-in-Picture (PiP) for Reels
Alongside inbox upgrades, Instagram has also begun testing picture-in-picture playback for Reels. First discussed by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri back in March, PiP functionality will let users continue watching Reels in a floating window while using other apps.
App researcher Radu Oncescu shared screenshots showing prompts for selected users to try the feature, along with a new toggle in playback settings to enable PiP mode.
It’s important to note that this is a viewing feature, not a creation tool. Both TikTok and YouTube already support PiP, and Instagram’s adoption of the feature aims to keep users engaged for longer periods by allowing them to watch Reels while multitasking.
This could help boost retention rates and encourage longer video viewing sessions, as Reels can essentially continue playing in the background. Instagram confirmed to SMT that the PiP option is being tested with a small group of users.
FAQs
Q1. What new DM management features has Instagram introduced?
Answer. Instagram now offers advanced inbox filters like Story replies, Unread, Verified users, and more. Users can also rearrange filter shortcuts and use DM folders to organise conversations more efficiently.
Q2. Who can access the new DM tools on Instagram?
Answer. These features are being rolled out to Professional accounts and personal accounts with over 100K followers, especially benefiting creators and businesses handling high message volumes.
Q3. What is Instagram’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature for Reels?
Answer. Instagram is testing PiP playback for Reels, allowing users to watch videos in a floating window while multitasking in other apps, similar to features on TikTok and YouTube.