Instagram Revamps DMs with New Sticker Creation, Photo Editing, and Fun Themes

Instagram is stepping up its game by making direct messages (DMs) more fun and interactive with new features to enhance user engagement. Meta’s popular platform is now adding tools for custom sticker creation, photo editing, and personalized chat themes, turning Instagram into a more appealing messaging hub.

One of the most exciting updates is the introduction of a sticker maker right within the DM interface. Users can take any photo from their gallery, cut out specific objects, and turn them into personalized reaction stickers. This feature is similar to a tool WhatsApp rolled out earlier this year, but Instagram users will now enjoy the convenience of making custom stickers without leaving the chat.

Instagram is also making it easier to edit photos directly in the chat. Previously, users had to use Instagram Stories to add stickers or drawings to images before saving and sending them. With this update, all those edits can now be done within the DM window itself—whether it’s doodling on a photo or placing fun stickers on it.

Instagram is rolling out a special birthday note feature to make birthdays more festive. When it’s your birthday, you can post a note displaying an animated cake and confetti effect when your friends tap on it, making birthday wishes a more fun and memorable experience.

Instagram is also rolling out new DM themes, including seasonal ones like a “Fall” theme and a pop-inspired theme from singer Sabrina Carpenter. These personalized themes will add color and excitement to your chats, helping keep conversations fresh.

As social media platforms like Threads and Bluesky continue to ramp up their direct messaging features, Instagram is doubling down on improving the user experience in its DMs. By introducing these creative tools, Instagram aims to keep users engaged in its messaging ecosystem despite growing competition from other platforms, like TikTok.

The move to enhance DMs isn’t surprising, given how crucial messaging has become for Instagram’s growth. According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, DMs play a significant role in the platform’s content ranking. “Creating content that people want to send to their friends will help your reach over time,” Mosseri explained.

With these new updates, Instagram’s direct messages are becoming more personalized, fun, and visually appealing—keeping users engaged and entertained with every conversation.