• New voice effects turn ordinary messages into creative sounds
• The feature is built directly into the app and requires no additional tools

Instagram has rolled out a new update for voice messages in its direct messaging service, allowing users to apply AI-powered voice effects. The update aims to make voice chats more expressive and engaging.

The new feature lets users alter their voice in real time while recording, transforming standard messages into playful or character-like versions while keeping the speaker’s tone, rhythm, and emotion intact.

Recipients can see the name of the effect applied and respond using the same style, creating a chain of messages in a consistent effect.

Available effects range from high-pitched cartoonish voices to deep, dramatic tones, as well as robotic, alien, underwater, or echoing stadium sounds, plus vibrating or water-distorted effects. Users can preview each effect before sending their message.

To use the feature, users need to ensure their app is updated to the latest version, open a direct message conversation, and hold the microphone icon to record a voice message. During or immediately after recording, the voice effects option will appear, allowing experimentation with different styles before sending.

Meta confirmed that the feature is fully integrated into Instagram and does not require any extra apps or tools.

The announcement follows Meta’s decision to remove end-to-end encryption from Instagram DMs, a move that has sparked debate among users. A company spokesperson noted that very few users had opted into encrypted messaging, so the feature will be gradually removed in the coming months.

Users who wish to continue using end-to-end encryption can rely on WhatsApp. Meta confirmed that the encryption option will be officially removed from Instagram DMs starting May 8, 2026, raising potential privacy concerns for users who rely on DMs to exchange messages and files.