Music previews, silent messages, chat availability features go live on Instagram

In a bid to help users connect with their close ones on the app in a seamless manner, Instagram has finally introduced the features that the company had announced last year. The new features include sending silent messages with a no disturb mode, checking if someone’s available for a chat online, and the ability to share music previews.

These new features are available in select countries, with plans to expand globally.

Browse and chat at the right time

As mentioned in it’s official blog, Instagram claims that the app has rolled out several changes in a way for people to respond, share, and chat:

Reply while you browse: Receive a new message while you’re browsing your feed? You can now reply without going to your inbox and losing your place. This new feature makes it that much easier and more convenient to chat while on the app.
Quickly send to friends: We want to help people reshare interesting content without interrupting their Instagram experience. By tapping and holding the share button, you can effortlessly reshare posts to your closest friends.
See who’s online: At the top of your inbox, you can see who’s free to chat at that moment, helping you find serendipitous opportunities to connect with friends.

Also Read: Instagram tests new ways to support social movements

New experiences in your message threads

Customize your messaging with your friends using these new features:

Play, pause, and re-play: Enabled by integrations with Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify coming soon, you can now share a 30-second preview of that song you just can’t get out of your head, and your friends can listen directly from your chat.
Send messages quietly: Send messages without notifying friends late at night or when they’re busy by adding “@silent” in your message. Now you can reach out without worrying about sending unwanted notifications.
Keep it on the lo-fi: Feeling chill? Try the new lo-fi chat theme to make your conversations feel more personal.
Create a poll with your squad: Deciding where to go to dinner or what time to meet up? We’re bringing one of Messenger’s most beloved group chat features to Instagram so you can create a poll directly in your group chat.