Instagram Drawing Feature in DMs is the latest update that lets you add a creative touch to your chats. 🎨 Now you can draw, doodle, or write on photos before sending them — making your conversations more fun and personal. Whether you want to express emotions, share quick notes, or add some style to your messages, this feature makes it easy.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about the Instagram drawing feature in DMs — how it works, how to use it, and what to do if it’s not showing up on your account.
Keep reading to unlock your creativity and make your Instagram messages stand out!
What’s New in the Latest Update?
The new update, released in October 2025, brings several creative upgrades to Instagram’s messaging experience:
- Draw in DMs: You can now draw freehand on the chat screen or on photos before sending them. The feature lets you choose colors, brush sizes, and even doodle directly over messages or pictures — similar to how you can draw in Instagram Stories.
- Custom Stickers: Instagram also added the option to create stickers from photos — allowing you to cut out parts of an image and send them as personalized stickers in DMs.
- Improved Photo Editing Tools: When you share a photo in chat, you can edit it first — by drawing, adding emojis, text, or stickers — before hitting send.
- Visual Themes & Reactions: The update also supports new chat themes and animated reactions to make DMs more expressive.
According to Social Media Today, this is part of Instagram’s broader effort to make DMs “a more creative, engaging space for users who spend much of their time chatting privately rather than posting publicly.”
How to Use the Drawing Feature in Instagram DMs
Here’s how to try the new feature:
1. Open Instagram and go to your Direct Messages (DMs).
2. Open any conversation.
3. Tap the “+” icon or the sticker/doodle icon next to the message bar.
4. Choose “Draw” from the menu.
5. A drawing board will appear — use your finger to draw, change brush size, or select colors.
6. You can also import a photo to draw over before sending it.
7. Once done, tap Send to share your creation instantly.
This works for both one-on-one and group chats, and the person on the other side will receive your drawing just like an image message.
Why My Instagram Doesn’t Have the Drawing Feature
If you can’t find the new Draw option in your Instagram DMs, you’re not alone. Many users still don’t have access yet — and here’s why:
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Gradual Rollout: Instagram is releasing the feature slowly across different regions. Some accounts will see it earlier, while others may need to wait a few more weeks.
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Outdated App Version: Make sure you’ve updated Instagram to the latest version on the App Store or Google Play Store. The drawing tool won’t appear on older versions.
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Regional Availability: The update is currently active in select countries. If you’re outside early-release markets (like the U.S., U.K., or Canada), the feature might not be live yet.
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Beta Testing Limitations: Instagram often tests new tools with a small group of users before launching globally. If you’re not part of that group, you’ll get it once the public rollout completes.
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Device or OS Compatibility: Older phones or outdated systems might not support new creative tools that rely on advanced graphics.
Quick Fixes You Can Try:
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Update Instagram to the latest version.
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Log out and back in.
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Clear app cache or reinstall the app.
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Restart your device.
If it still doesn’t show up, don’t worry — it just means Instagram hasn’t enabled it for your account yet. It’s expected to appear for all users soon.
Why Instagram Added This Feature
Instagram’s parent company, Meta, has been investing heavily in making private messaging more interactive. A 2025 update from BetaNews notes that most young users now spend over 60% of their Instagram time in DMs — not on the feed.
By adding features like drawing, stickers, and cutouts, Instagram is encouraging users to stay engaged without leaving the chat interface.
This mirrors the creative tools already popular in Stories and Reels, but in a more personal, chat-based environment.
Final Thoughts
Instagram’s new Draw feature in DMs might seem small, but it’s a big step in turning private chats into a creative playground. From hand-drawn notes to personalized stickers, the update blends artistic expression and real-time conversation in a way that feels fresh and engaging. If you haven’t received the update yet — don’t worry. It’s being released globally over the coming weeks.
Just keep your app updated and get ready to bring your doodles to life in Instagram DMs.