Instagram users can now schedule direct messages (DMs) to be sent at a specific time, a feature designed to enhance communication for creators, brands, and regular users alike. Meta confirmed the global rollout to TechCrunch on Monday, marking another step in the platform’s ongoing development of messaging tools.
The new scheduling capability is particularly beneficial for creators and brands aiming to optimize their outreach timing. It also caters to users dealing with time zone differences or those who simply want to send reminders at specific moments. Users can schedule a message up to 29 days in advance, as confirmed through testing.
Social media expert Lindsey Gamble first noticed the feature. To schedule a DM, users need to type their message, hold down the send button, and select a preferred date and time. Once a message is scheduled, a notification banner appears in the chat indicating the pending delivery.
Instagram’s focus on enhancing direct messaging has been evident in recent weeks. The platform now allows users to share their real-time locations with friends through DMs, a feature that rivals Apple’s Find My and Snapchat’s Snap Map. Users can also personalize chats further by adding nicknames for themselves or others.
Creators have received particular attention in Instagram’s DM improvements. New tools enable them to sort and filter message requests based on factors like follower count, verification status, and account type, such as brands or fellow creators.
It’s surprising that Instagram, a photo-sharing app, introduced message scheduling ahead of WhatsApp, Meta’s leading messaging platform. This move reflects Instagram’s increasing emphasis on messaging features.
Featured Image courtesy of Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
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