What Instagram’s new messaging filters mean for creators

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Instagram is rolling out another update designed to ease the often overwhelming task of managing direct message (DM) requests, especially for creators with large followings. 

The new feature introduces a set of filters that give creator accounts better control over their inboxes, helping them focus on the most relevant messages and streamline communication.

According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, in a video shared on the platform, many creators feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of messages they receive daily, and these new tools aim to reduce that frustration. 

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A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

Mosseri said, “When you go to the requests inbox, sometimes it can be really overwhelming.” 

The update is particularly relevant for creators who often juggle a high volume of DM requests, many of which can be challenging to sift through.

With the new filters, Instagram now allows creators to organize their message requests based on the type of sender. 

For example, creators can sort DMs from “businesses,” “verified accounts,” “fellow creators” and “subscribers.”

This means that instead of sifting through a chaotic inbox, creators can now prioritize messages that are critical to their work—like inquiries from potential collaborators or important conversations with fellow verified accounts.

With the ability to quickly identify brand collaboration requests, creators can stay on top of opportunities without losing valuable time.

These new category labels appear above the existing options like “recent” and “number of followers,” giving users more robust tools to organize and prioritize their inbox.

Another benefit is the new “Story replies” folder, which separates story interactions from actual DMs.

For creators, Story replies can often flood their inboxes, making it difficult to focus on direct messages that need a response.

This dedicated folder means they can engage with fans or followers reacting to Stories while keeping their main messages clear and actionable.