As Instagram and WhatsApp are owned by Meta, it’s not surprising that these two sites frequently use each other’s functionalities. With its impact on WhatsApp’s Stories, status updates, and disappearing messages, Instagram has been quite influential.
Similar to Instagram, WhatsApp now allows users to tag contacts in status updates. Now you can share your live location with friends in direct messages on Instagram, a function that was previously only available on WhatsApp.
Instagram Rolls Out Live Location Sharing in DMs
Instagram is launching a live location-sharing tool in some countries, according to a blog post. However, the specific nations in question were not disclosed (via The Verge). When you’re at a concert, outing, or gathering with friends and family, you may broadcast your live location for up to an hour or put a pin on the map to help you find them.
Only direct messages (DMs) in one-on-one or group chats are compatible with the live location feature. You can’t share your location with other chats, it turns off automatically, and it expires after an hour. Conversely, you can share your live location for a maximum of eight hours on WhatsApp. While you’re sharing, no one outside of that particular conversation can see your location; furthermore, there’s a handy toggle at the top of the chat to remind you that it’s on.
Instagram Adds Sticker Packs and Nicknames to DMs
Also, Instagram Direct Messages got 17 new sticker packs, which add up to 300 new stickers that you can use in group chats with your friends. Additionally, you have the option to favorite the stickers that your friends send you, save them for later use, or even make your own stickers with the cutouts tool.
Plus, you can now add a nickname to your name or a friend’s name in direct messages on the social media app. Your Instagram username cannot be changed by adding a nickname; it will only show in your direct messages. At any moment, you can alter your username and choose who can do it in a chat.
