Meta recently officially announced that its X (formerly Twitter) competitor, Threads, has officially started testing DM (Direct Message) , which means that users can finally chat directly in Threads without having to jump to Instagram! This highly anticipated feature has been first tested in Hong Kong, Thailand, Argentina and other regions , and will be gradually promoted globally.
This article will take you to quickly understand the functions of Threads DM and attach a beginner's tutorial for the new functions to help you master the latest experience of Threads!
What is the "Independent DM" feature of Threads?
Previously, Threads did not have a built-in private messaging system, so users had to jump to Instagram if they wanted to chat privately. Now, Meta has announced that Threads will introduce a new DM inbox that is completely independent of Instagram, so users can chat directly within Threads without having to switch apps.
Currently supported functions:
One-on-one private chat (group chat is not supported yet)
Separate inbox entrance, no longer connected to Instagram messages
Available on iOS, Android and desktop
How to enable and use the new private messaging feature of Threads?
Note: Currently, this feature is only tested in some regions. If the feature icon does not appear, it may be because it is not yet available in your country or region.
Step 1: Update the Threads app
Make sure you're using the latest version of Threads, which can be updated in the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Find the "Envelope" icon
Open the Threads app:
Mobile: Added "Envelope" icon to the bottom navigation bar;
Desktop: This icon will also be displayed in the left menu bar.
Step 3: Start a conversation
After clicking the envelope icon:
Search for a user name and select a contact;
Enter your message and send it to start a one-on-one chat.
Note: Currently only one-to-one messaging is supported , and voice, picture or file sending functions are not supported.
Application scenario recommendation: How can you use Threads to send private messages?
Brand account private message management: Finally, you can handle Instagram and Threads fan messages separately
Creator interaction: Communicate directly with the audience without jumping between platforms
Private topic extension: After leaving a message on a public topic, you can communicate with private messages to enhance the social depth of Threads
International user communication: DM is an important part of the Threads social closed loop, especially for non-Instagram active users
Which countries will be the first to open up?
Threads is testing this feature on a small scale, and the first regions to be opened include:
Hong Kong
Thailand
Argentina
Meta said that it will gradually expand to more markets in the future. Domestic users may need to wait for the official launch, or try switching to the above regions to experience it in advance.
Why is this update worth paying attention to?
Independent private messaging system: No more jumping to Instagram, users can chat one-on-one directly in Threads.
Initial testing areas: Hong Kong, Thailand, Argentina and a few other regions will be the first to go online, and global promotion will be imminent.
Different from Instagram DM: The two will have their own independent message inboxes and will not communicate with each other.
One-to-one messaging only: Group chats are not supported yet, but may be expanded in the future.
The interface entrance is clear: the envelope icon can be seen in the bottom taskbar on the mobile phone, and in the left sidebar on the desktop.
Why does Threads want to be an independent private messaging system?
This step should have come a long time ago. Here are some background information you should know:
Many Threads users have a different follower composition than Instagram;
Some people hardly use Instagram and only use Threads;
As Threads users surge to 350 million monthly active users, social demand is growing;
Competitors are taking frequent actions: Bluesky has launched DM, and X has added XChat with advanced features such as "self-destructing messages" and group chat.
An independent DM system can greatly enhance user stickiness, content creator activity and commercial interactivity.
Will private messages be encrypted?
Not at this time.
Meta clearly stated: Threads DM does not support end-to-end encryption yet. In other words, if you care about information privacy, it is recommended to use it with caution or wait for future versions to add encryption mechanism.
Can Threads take on X (formerly Twitter)?
Although Threads initially relied on Instagram, it is now increasingly independent:
Launched the web version
Improve content recommendation mechanism
Now it has jumped from "no private message" to "independent private message"
But don't forget that after Musk took over, X has launched advanced features including "groups", "ephemeral mode", and "file transfer". Threads still needs time to catch up in terms of product capabilities.
Summary: Is Threads' private messaging feature worth looking forward to?
Yes, but it remains to be seen.
Although the current functions are simple, limited to one-to-one conversations, no encryption, and no multimedia support, this represents an important step for Threads to become a "true social platform."
In the future, Threads may not only be an "ad-free version of Twitter", but will also become a new front for content creators and a new private domain entrance for brands.
What do you think of the newly launched private messaging feature of Threads?
