Facebook Messenger, Instagram get animated BTS characters

Source: Big Hit Entertainment

If you're part of the BTS Army (what the boyband's fans call themselves), you're familiar with TinyTAN animated characters inspired by the artists. You'll be happy to hear that Facebook Messenger and Instagram's direct messaging feature will offer a "unique chat experience" featuring BTS's cartoon counterparts. You will be able to apply a TinyTAN chat theme and use immersive 360 AR backgrounds, including a bedroom and cafe where you can find all seven characters. The rooms can be set up while on a video call with someone.

There will also be TinyTAN stickers available, with each member getting two stickers and two group stickers. All of which will be free to download and use. This social media integration comes as the seven-member K-Pop group will debut its album BE on Friday.

Source: Rolling Stone

Instagram adds Reels, Shop tabs on homescreen

Source: Instagram

Instagram's first major redesign in years shows us what the social network's priorities are. The Reels and Shop features are getting tabs on the home screen, while the Likes tab and Create tab are relegated to the top right-hand corner of the app next to the direct messages inbox.

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Instagram Reels tries to catch up with TikTok with new audio features

Source: Instagram

Instagram is playing catchup with TikTok with the new features coming to Reels. This TikTok-like experience within Instagram will now let you save audio so you can use it to create what you want. Reels also now has an audio browser that gives you access to personalized recommendations and trending songs. It's also now possible to share audio pages in DMs. All these features are already available on TikTok. But if you're more of an Instagram user, you might appreciate these showing up on the Facebook-owned app.

Instagram rolls out new anti-bullying features

Source: Instagram

On top of launching a new Stories Map, Instagram celebrates its 10th year by developing its anti-bullying features. The social network will automatically hide comments similar to those that have been reported. These comments won't be deleted entirely, though. You can still tap on the View Hidden Comments button to see them. 

Instagram is also adding warnings for users who repeatedly post potentially offensive comments. Simultaneously, encouraging them to think twice before posting, an expansion to an initiative, started last year. The platform is testing these features out. 

On a lighter note, for October, you can use the old Instagram app icons with this easter egg. It's accessible via a long swipe down on the settings menu.

Source: The Verge