Meta recently officially announced that Threads will have its own private messaging system (DMs) and will no longer rely on Instagram's messaging function! This marks that Threads is moving towards a more independent and comprehensive platform. This is not only a major update in response to a large amount of user feedback, but also marks Threads' official entry into a new stage of independence from Instagram.
So, how does Threads' private messaging system work? How is it different from Instagram's private messaging system? What privacy protections are there? We'll give you a quick overview in this article, along with a tutorial on how to use the new feature!
What are Threads DMs? Why are they important?
Since Threads was launched, many users have complained about "not being able to chat privately" and "fragmented social experience", but Meta has not given a clear response. Until today, the official announcement:
Meta recently officially announced that Threads will have its own private messaging system (DMs) and will no longer rely on Instagram's messaging function! This marks that Threads is moving towards a more independent and comprehensive platform. This is not only a major update in response to a large amount of user feedback, but also marks Threads' official entry into a new stage of independence from Instagram.
So, how does Threads' private messaging system work? How is it different from Instagram's private messaging system? What privacy protections are there? We'll give you a quick overview in this article, along with a tutorial on how to use the new feature!
What are Threads DMs? Why are they important?
Since Threads was launched, many users have complained about "not being able to chat privately" and "fragmented social experience", but Meta has not given a clear response. Until today, the official announcement:
"We have launched a dedicated private message inbox for all Threads users, which can be accessed in the bottom function bar and supports private chats with followers/mutual friends (only for users over 18 years old)."
This means:
Threads Chats no longer redirect to Instagram
Support one-to-one private chat (group chat will be supported later)
Completely independent messaging system, more secure and more control
Why is this an important node?
Private chat is the "deep water area" of social interaction: in X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, private messages carry the most real and active communication among users.
A more "light" way of socializing: As public updates become increasingly less popular, many users prefer to share their true thoughts in private spaces.
This is an important step for Threads to break away from Instagram and may even pave the way for it to have an independent CEO.
New feature highlights: What exactly has changed in Threads DMs?
1. Exclusive Threads inbox
You will see an envelope icon in the bottom function bar. Click on it to enter Threads' own private message interface.
2. No longer dependent on the IG messaging system
Threads DMs are completely independent of Instagram's private messaging system, which means you can send and receive messages only in Threads.
3. Privacy and security first
Initially, only Threads followers or IG mutual followers over 18 years old are supported to send messages to each other
Messages are protected by Meta's privacy standards and security infrastructure
Message permission settings and "message request" filtering will be added later
4. Support for advanced features such as group chat and message filtering (coming soon)
Meta said that it will be launched in succession:
Message permission control (who can contact you)
Message request inbox (filter unfamiliar messages)
Chat Filters (no more missing important messages)
Group messaging feature
Tutorial: How to use Threads private messaging function?
Step 1: Update your Threads App
Go to the App Store or Google Play and make sure you have the latest version of Threads.
Step 2: Find the private message entrance
After opening the App, you will see an "envelope icon" in the bottom navigation bar. Click it to enter the DM page.
Step 3: Start private chat
1. Click the compose button in the upper right corner
2. Search for friends you have followed or who have followed each other
3. Start chatting!
Note:
Sending messages to strangers is not supported yet (unless you follow each other)
Some countries/regions may still be gradually launched, please be patient
How to set up privacy and anti-harassment?
Meta also emphasized in this update: "Safety first".
You can find the following options in Threads settings:
Who can send you private messages (Everyone/Following each other/No one)
Private message request filtering: Private messages from unfollowed people will go into the "Request" folder
Keyword Filter & Spam Filter (coming soon)
Report or blacklist function
Recommended setting path:
Threads App → Settings → Privacy → Message Permission Settings
Why is Threads only launching private messaging now?
This actually reflects Meta's deep strategic game:
1. Previous hesitation: There are "too many" DM systems
Meta already owns Messenger, Instagram DM and WhatsApp, and has been trying to integrate the three into a "cross-platform unified inbox" for many years. Threads' independent private messages may have been shelved for a time to wait for the finalization of the integration strategy.
2. Is it related to the FTC legal game?
Meta's lawsuit with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is still ongoing, with the latter trying to require Meta to split WhatsApp and IG. The previous integration was considered a hedge against a potential "split" order. Now that Threads has its own DM, it may represent a slight adjustment in Meta's strategy.
3. The growing trend of users' demand for private interaction
Have you also found that you are less and less likely to speak publicly on social media, and prefer group chats, private chats, or even voice chats? This is a reflection of the rising demand for private communication:
Threads officials also admitted that DM is one of the most anticipated features by users.
The cost of public expression on social platforms has increased, disputes and attacks have increased, and users have begun to turn to "low-noise, low-conflict" interaction methods.
The launch of DM by Threads is not just a functional update, but also an evolution in line with user psychology and social trends.
What does this mean for content creators and community managers?
This update may have a profound impact on the content ecosystem:
It is more convenient to guide fans to chat privately and improve the interaction conversion rate
After supporting group chat in the future, it may develop into a lightweight social tool
Help creators build a closed loop of "relationship chain", not just at the level of likes and comments
Brands can also conduct more private user communication and research
Conclusion
From the launch of the web version of Threads, the revision of the timeline, the editing function, to the current private message system, we can clearly see that Meta is gradually making Threads a social platform that does not rely on Instagram and has independent operating logic.
The launch of the DM function is a key step towards true "social platformization".
Have you activated Threads DMs? Would you use them instead of IG or X's private messages?
