Instagram now allows scheduling direct messages: here's how it works

Instagram has launched a new feature that allows scheduling direct messages (DM). The social network confirmed to TechCrunch that this tool is now available to users worldwide, and promises to be especially useful for content creators and brands.

Thanks to this innovation, originally detected by social media expert Lindsey Gamble, both creators and businesses will be able to send messages at strategic times to maximize their impact, while regular users can use it to adapt to different time zones or to send reminders at specific moments.

To use the feature, simply draft the message, hold down the send button, and select the desired date and time. According to tests conducted, it is possible to schedule messages up to 29 days in advance. Additionally, Instagram will display a notice within the chat with pending scheduled messages to ensure users remember the messages they will send.

This past month, Instagram has incorporated other improvements in its DMs, such as the ability to share locations directly with friends and to customize chat names with nicknames. Meanwhile, creators can now organize their message requests by applying filters such as verified accounts, number of followers, or brands.