Instagram has made a significant announcement on Monday. It is now enabling users to share their locations with friends directly through DMs. This move indicates that the Meta-owned social network is gearing up to take on competitors like Apple's Find My and Snapchat's Snap Map, which are widely used for seeing friends' and loved ones' live locations.

Unlock the Power of Location Sharing on Instagram

Location Sharing via DMs

Instagram is introducing the ability for users to share their locations with their friends via DMs. This feature was spotted being tested earlier this year, and its launch isn't a complete surprise. Unlike Apple and Snapchat, where you can share your location indefinitely, Instagram allows it only for up to one hour. It can be used to coordinate arrival times or find friends in crowded spaces. You can choose to share with one person or a group chat. Once shared, only those in the specific chat can see your location, and it can't be forwarded. There is an indicator at the top of the chat to remind you of the live location sharing. All live locations expire after one hour. While WhatsApp allows up to eight hours of location sharing, Instagram's time limit may change in the future. This new feature is available in select countries, and TechCrunch has reached out for more details.

Customizing Names in DMs

Instagram also announced on Monday that users can now customize names in DMs by adding nicknames. This feature allows you to share inside jokes or simply shorten lengthy usernames. To create a nickname, tap on the chat name at the top of a conversation and select "Nicknames." From there, you can choose the username of the person you want to assign a nickname to. Nicknames are only visible in your DM chats.

New Sticker Packs in DMs

Instagram is rolling out 17 new sticker packs with over 300 stickers that you can share in DMs. These stickers add a fun and interactive element to your DMs, allowing you to express yourself in a more creative way. Whether it's for a lighthearted conversation or a special moment, these stickers are sure to enhance your DM experience.