Instagram’s gearing up for an influx of DM use over the holidays, by adding a range of new stickers, along with an updated sticker UI, in order to help you spice up your messages.

And worth noting, Instagram says that DMs are now the primary way that people share in the app. So while this may seem like a minor update, it actually could have a major impact on broader usage.

First off, Instagram’s adding 17 new sticker packs, covering a range of themes, for the holiday rush.

As per Instagram:

“There are 17 new sticker packs and over 300 new stickers to share in your DMs when words just aren’t enough. Plus, now you will be able to favorite a sticker from your chat so that you can re-use stickers shared by friends or those you create with cutouts, too.”

Cutouts, which Instagram added earlier this year, are stickers based on your photos, enabling you to use your own captured images as stickers as well.

As you can see in the above images, Instagram’s also updating the sticker UI within DMs, making it easier to find the right sticker to match your mood.

Instagram’s also adding the option to nickname your friends within DM chats, to enhance personal connection.

As you can see in these screenshots, you’ll now be able to add a nickname for yourself or friends within your chats.

“Share an inside joke with a nickname to make your friends smile, or simplify lengthy usernames so it’s easier to recognize. Nicknames only appear in your DM chats, and won’t change your username anywhere else on IG.”

You can also enable others to change your nickname, or keep it so only you can update it.

You can create a nickname in your chats by tapping on the chat name at the top of your conversation, then tapping “Nicknames”.

Finally, Instagram’s also adding optional live location sharing within direct DM chats.

Chat participants will be able to share their live location for up to an hour, or pin a spot on the map to help facilitate IRL meet-ups.

Though IG is being very cautious with this element:

“Live location can only be shared privately in DMs, either in a 1:1 or group chat, will expire after 1 hour, and is off by default. When sharing, only those in the specific chat can see your location and your location can’t be forwarded to other chats.”

Instagram says that there will also be a prominent indicator at the top of your chat to ensure you don’t forget that you’re sharing your live location.

“You can stop sharing your location any time. Remember to always be mindful of your privacy and only share your location with people you know in real life.”

Given the potential risks of this, particularly for young and/or vulnerable users, Instagram is right to be extra careful with the element, but it could be a good option to help facilitate real-life engagement, similar to Snap’s map feature.

Instagram further notes that location sharing will only be available in select countries at this stage.        

These are some handy updates, which will help to facilitate holiday engagement, and lean into rising DM use in the app. Which, again, is now the primary connection and sharing option on IG, which is why it continues to add more features aligned with DM use.

You can learn more about Instagram’s latest updates here.