Instagram is soon to launch two new features we think sound quite handy: a catch up and mute function.

Silence is Golden

The mute feature offers a diplomatic solution to friends that lean to over-enthusiastic posting. It allows you to hide their posts without having to unfollow them. And no, muted users won't know they've been turned down.

You can choose to mute posts, or posts and stories, but can still receive Direct Messages from the muzzled user.

This feature has been one of Instagram's most requested, and works in a similar fashion to Facebook's Unfollow option.

Up to Speed

The second update, dubbed "You're All Caught Up", provides a snapshot of your feed over the past 48 hours. It covers photos and videos, though Stories have yet to be confirmed.

A similar feature was debuted a few years back on Twitter, with mixed success. It will be interesting to see if Instagram prioritises chronological posts, or those its algorithm deems most relevant.

You're All Caught Up could also help marketers managing multiple accounts on the platform.

Both features are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks.