Instagram gets seven messaging features: Now reply while you continue to browse

Instagram is getting seven new messaging features, including the option to continue browsing while replying to a message or Direct Message (DM) on the app. Here’s a quick look at all the new features.
First, users will be able to stay on their Feed and reply to messages without having to go to the inbox. Earlier, replying to a DM inevitably meant that one would have to go back and forth during a browsing session. The new feature makes it “easier and more convenient to chat while on the app,” as the company notes.
Users will also be able to quickly share a post with their friends just “tapping and holding the share button.” The new feature will quickly show names of top friends you might have messaged in the past when you press and hold the ‘Share’ button on any post.
The Instagram inbox will also show who among your friends are online and free to chat, though some of you might have already seen this.

Instagram is also working on integrations with Apple Music, Amazon Music and Spotify, which will be coming soon. These will let users share a 30-second preview of a song they are lening to, and then their friends will be able to len to it directly from the chat window as well.
Instagram will add a new theme to chats as well as bring the ability to add polls to group chats.
There’s also a new option for sending messages quietly, without notifying friends late at night or when they’re busy adding “@silent” in your message.
There’s also a new lo-fi chat theme to make your conversations feel more personal. Instagram is also adding the ability to create a poll in group conversations. The feature was part of Messenger and is now coming to Instagram’s group chat.
Instagram says these new features are available in select countries and the company plans to expand these globally over the coming weeks.