Threads has officially launched direct messaging for everyone. You can now send private messages to other users on the meta rival X, although Threads will only allow you to start a DM between your followers or shared Instagram followers.
You can send a DM on Threads by selecting the envelope icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen in the app. From there, you’ll be taken to your inbox, where you can tap the pencil button in the upper right corner to start composing a message.
Threads DM is currently available to users 18 years and older on Android, iOS, and the web, but you can only communicate one-on-one at this time. In the future, Threads plans to add the ability to choose who can send you messages, including people who don’t follow you on Threads and Instagram. You will also be able to view a folder dedicated to message requests, similar to what is offered on X. Threads is also working on a group messaging feature and inbox filters.
Although the platform claims that its DMs are “protected by our robust privacy standards, account protection, and security infrastructure,” Threads spokesperson Alec Booker confirmed to The Verge that “Threads will not support end-to-end encryption for messaging.” Booker added that Meta “will continue to develop PP on Threads based on community feedback.”
Along with DM, Threads announced a new “highlight” feature that will draw attention to “unique perspectives that lead to thoughtful conversation.” For now, you’ll only see the highlighted content in parts of the app where you find new content – like your “For You” feed – to indicate trending topics. In the near future, Threads plans to add the highlighting feature to more parts of the app.
