Dazzlepop | Messenger With Instagram are Merged

Facebook and Instagram are combining their messaging services to allow for cross-platform communication.

Facebook is bringing the best of Messenger to Instagram DMs, which will allow users on both platforms to seamlessly connect with each other.

In addition to cross-platform messaging, a total of 10 new features are coming to Instagram DMs.

Users can choose to update immediately or delay the update to a later time.

If you’re eligible for the update you’ll see the following prompt upon opening Instagram:

Here’s more about the new features and the changes you can expect if you choose to update now.

These are all the new features coming to Instagram DMs:

Cross-platform Messaging: Seamlessly connect with people across Instagram and Messenger by using either app to send messages and join video calls.
Watch Together: Watch videos on Facebook Watch, IGTV, Reels, TV shows, movies, and more with other users during a video call.
Vanish Mode: A chat mode where seen messages disappear after they’re seen or when you close the chat.
Selfie Stickers: A new way to react to messages. A hybrid of Boomerangs, emojis, and selfies.

Chat Colors: Personalize your chats with color gradients.
Custom Emoji Reactions: Create a shortcut of your favorite emojis to react quickly to messages.
Forwarding: Share content with up to five friends or groups at once.
Replies: Respond directly to a specific message in your chat.
Animated Message Effects: Add visual flair to a message with animated send effects.
Message Controls: Decide who can message you directly, and who can’t message you at all.
Enhanced Reporting and Blocking Updates: Report full conversations in addition to single messages. Receive proactive blocking suggestions across Instagram and Messenger when you add your accounts in the new Accounts Center.

Aside from the above new features, which users can choose to utilize or not, the main change to be aware of is who’s able to message you.