The action of partially swiping on an Instagram message to quickly access reply options, rather than fully opening the direct message, has been a user-friendly shortcut. This gesture offered a faster way to respond without navigating into the full conversation view. Users could begin their reply directly from the chat overview screen.
This feature provided convenience and efficiency, especially for individuals managing multiple conversations. Its removal, if confirmed, would mean users now need to fully open a message before replying, adding an extra step to the process. Previously, the half-swipe reduced interaction friction, contributing to a smoother, more responsive user experience within the platform’s direct messaging system.