Threads has officially launched direct messaging for everyone. You can now privately message other users on the Meta-owned X rival, though Threads will only allow DMs between your followers or mutual followers on Instagram to start.
You can send a DM on Threads by selecting the envelope icon in the toolbar at the bottom of your screen in the app. From there, you’ll be directed to your inbox, where you can tap the pencil button in the top-right corner to start composing a message.
Threads’ DMs are currently available to users aged 18 and over on Android, iOS, and the web, but you can only have one-on-one conversations right now. Moving forward, Threads plans to roll out the ability to choose who can send you messages, including people who don’t follow you on Threads and Instagram. You’ll also be able to review a folder dedicated to message requests, similar to what’s offered on X. Threads is working on a group messaging feature and inbox filters, too.
Though the platform says its DMs are “protected by our robust privacy standards, account protections and safety infrastructure,” Threads spokesperson Alec Booker confirmed to The Verge that “Threads will not support end-to-end encryption for messaging.” Booker adds that Meta will “continue evolving DMs on Threads based on feedback from the community.”
Threads started testing DMs in June.
Along with DMs, Threads announced a new “highlighter” feature that will call attention to “unique perspectives that lead to thoughtful conversations.” For now, you’ll only see highlighted content in parts of the app where you find new content — like your For You feed — to mark trending topics. Threads plans on bringing its highlighter feature to more areas of the app soon.
