Instagram shuts down direct messaging app

Social media consultant Matt Navarra and a few reviewers on the application’s Google Play page have reported getting a notification that says Instagram will no longer support the Direct app “in the coming month.” It didn’t mention an exact date for Direct’s demise, only that your conversations will automatically be transferred to the main Instagram app — the move won’t actually delete your DMs with friends.

The Facebook-owned platform first launched Direct in a handful of countries December 2017. Since then, it rolled out with partnerships including Giphy GIFs, and a desktop version.

The app never became quite as popular as the main application, though, and it never got to roll out to most regions.