Observed Signal · Sep 6, 2024 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Instagram Tests Scheduling DMs
Instagram is testing a new feature that would allow users to schedule direct messages (DMs) to be sent at later times. The test was uncovered by app researcher Nicky Sweet and shared on Threads, including a screenshot. If rolled out, the capability would extend the platform's planning tools beyond posts, Stories, Reels, and Live videos, which users can already schedule through Instagram or via third-party services since 2022–2023. The test suggests messages could be timed for international audiences across different time zones. At present, Meta has not commented on the feature, and it remains unclear when or whether it will reach all users. The move aligns with Instagram's broader pattern of expanding creator and management tools, reiterating the platform's emphasis on planned content and messaging workflows for creators and social media managers. The feature is described as limited in scope at this stage.
Limited test of DM scheduling feature on Instagram; no official rollout announced.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- A DM scheduling test for Instagram was discovered by app researcher Nicky Sweet and shared on Threads.
- The feature would allow DMs to be sent at arbitrary times.
- The test is limited; Meta has not commented on rollout or timeline.
- Instagram has previously allowed scheduling of posts since late 2022 and Stories via third parties since 2023, with scheduled Reels and Live videos supported since autumn 2022.
- If released, the feature could benefit creators, social media managers, and private users across time zones.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Instagram adds desktop scheduling for Posts and Reels
Instagram is rolling out a desktop scheduling feature on Instagram.com that allows creators to plan Posts and Reels up to 30 days in advance without switching to the Meta Business Suite. The capability, which appeared for some accounts and was demonstrated by social-media expert Jonah Manzano, follows a March 2026 change that made in-app scheduling available to all public accounts (previously limited to Business and Creator accounts). Stories still cannot be scheduled on Instagram.com or in-app and require the Meta Business Suite or third-party tools such as Hootsuite. The article was published on OnlineMarketing.de by Larissa Ceccio on 2026-08-26.
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Instagram Edits App Now Supports Carousel Creation
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