Observed Signal · Feb 20, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Instagram DMs gain translations, scheduling, pins, and music
The article documents Instagram's expansion of Direct Messages into a more feature-rich messaging experience. New updates include an integrated translation tool supporting 99 languages, the ability to schedule direct messages up to 29 days in advance, and the option to pin up to three items (messages, Reels, or photos) within chats. In addition, users can share 30-second music previews directly in DMs, including in broadcast channels for creators to connect with their communities. A QR code feature now allows easier invitation to group chats. The piece frames these changes as part of Instagram's evolution toward a full messaging platform, with Meta and Instagram executives underscoring improved usability and cross-service integration. The article also notes a test of a Dislike Button for comments, illustrating ongoing experimentation with moderation and user control on the platform.
Technical release of Meta's Instagram with expanded DMs features (translations, scheduling, pins, music sharing).
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Translations in DMs available for 99 languages.
- Direct messages can be scheduled up to 29 days in advance.
- Up to three items (messages, Reels or photos) can be pinned in chats.
- 30-second music previews can be shared directly in DMs and Broadcast channels.
- QR code invites now support joining group chats.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google launches unified agentic AI for Gemini
At a Google Cloud event on Thursday, Google announced it is bringing agentic AI to its Gemini assistant, launching a unified agent that can autonomously plan and execute tasks on behalf of users. Aimed initially at businesses, the agent can connect to internal systems and external tools, use custom skills, and even choose from third-party models like Anthropic's Claude. It will have its own Workspace account with an email address, and will write its own audit trail. Early testers include On, Shopify, and PayPal. Gemini has over 1 billion monthly active users, and nearly 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Gemini Enterprise.
AWNY, Jupiter Fest Spotlight Agentic Ads and Open Web
Advertising Week New York and the inaugural Jupiter Festival Miami highlighted the industry's shift toward agentic advertising and anxieties about the open web's future. Major announcements included TikTok's off-platform ad expansion and a new AI shopping agent, Meta's AI campaign assistant testing, and OpenAI's visual ads introduction. Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery closed, forming Skydance. Key themes were the threat of AI to publisher traffic, the rise of AI visibility tools, the early stage of agentic media buying, unsolved cross-platform measurement, and the booming sports and retail media sectors. Deals included PubX's acquisition of Compliant and a $5 million Series A, and OpenAI's reported $30 billion round talks with BlackRock and UAE investors.
ICANN Receives 1,615 New Top-Level Domain Applications
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has accepted applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) for the first time since 2012. A total of 1,615 applications were submitted by 481 applicants, with a strong focus on AI-related domains. Ten companies, including Meta and OpenAI, applied for .agent, seven for .agi, and six for .asi. Meta filed 21 applications, including .instagram and .threads, while OpenAI filed 15, including .chatgpt and .codex. German entities like Adidas, Biontech, and Allianz also applied for brand-specific domains. The application fee can be up to $227,000 per domain. The article also highlights the financial success of country-code TLDs like .ai, which earned Anguilla about €59 million by November 2025.
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