New Instagram feature: comment on Instagram posts with a GIF

To reply with a GIF, users have to type the keyword of the GIF they’re searching for in the ‘Send Message’ or comment box and then tap the GIF icon that appears. A series of GIFs from GIPHY’s library will be presented to users based on the search phrase. The feature is being rolled out in phases and should be available to all shortly.

Other Instagram new features

Quiet mode: As the name suggests, this will silence the notifications so you work distraction-free. This will also help users focus and set boundaries on the app. Once the feature is enabled, users will not receive any notifications until the mode is turned off. The activity status will also be changed to “In quiet mode’ and an auto-reply will be sent if someone sends a message. Users can set their own quiet mode hours as per their schedule and once the timer ends, the app will show a summary of notifications that are missed.

Quite a mode will be open to all users but teens will be prompted to use this if they are found to be spending too much time on the app, especially during the night. This feature will be available to users in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Not interested: Instagram has rolled out yet another useful feature, dubbed ‘Not Interested’. As the name suggests users can tell that they are interested in the posts on the Explore page. They can select multiple posts and mark them as not interested to hide them.  The Instagram algorithm will try to show fewer of these posts in Explore. To hide the recommended posts, users need to head to the “Hidden Words” section within the Privacy settings and then enter the word, emoji, or hashtag they do not want on their feed.

Parents can now keep tabs on their kid’s privacy and account settings and they will receive a notification whenever the kid changes the settings. Parents will be able to view the accounts their kids have blocked.

Broadcast: Instagram has officially introduced a new Broadcast channel feature for creation. This will allow them to directly connect with their followers. Creators can share Instant updates and much more with their followers. The feature is rolling out with some creators in the US and will gradually expand to more creators.