GIFs have become a popular way of expressing emotions and reactions in modern-day conversations. To keep up with the trend, Instagram has introduced a new feature that allows users to post GIFs in reply to posts and stories. The GIFs will be pulled from the online GIF database GIPHY, and the feature will be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks.
Previously, users could only post GIF stickers to stories, but now they can also use them to reply to messages and comments. To use the feature, users need to type a keyword related to the desired GIF in the Send Message or comment box, tap on the GIF icon, choose a GIF from the GIPHY library, and hit enter.
In addition to the GIF reply feature, Instagram has also added other options to give users better control over their experience on the app. The “Quiet Mode” feature, launched in January, helps users focus and set boundaries with their friends and followers. When enabled, the user will not receive any notifications, and their profile will change to “In Quiet Mode.” The app will also automatically reply to anyone who sends a direct message.
Another feature, “Not Interested,” helps users manage recommendations by allowing them to hide posts they are not interested in. This option was previously available for comments and direct messages, but it has now been extended to recommended posts. Once a user selects “Not Interested” in a post, Instagram will avoid showing similar posts in the future.
