Threads Starts Rolling Out DMs and Highlighted Perspectives

Threads is ready to roll out DMs to all users after nearly a month of testing. Direct Messages will be available for all users over 18, and they will be accessible from the app’s bottom navigation bar.

Direct Messages on Threads was one of the top-requested features from users, and it took two years to arrive. The Instagram team, which is responsible for developing Threads, previously hesitated between mirroring the Instagram inbox in Threads or creating a standalone DM system for the microblogging app. The second option ultimately won, but Threads DMs currently have some limitations.

First of all, Threads users can only send DMs to people who follow them or mutual followers from Instagram who are ages 18 and older. Moreover, if DMs on Threads are protected by Meta’s “robust privacy standards,” Threads spokesperson Alec Booker told The Verge that “Threads will not support end-to-end encryption for messaging.”

Meta said today that it’s already working on group messaging and inbox filters. Threads users will also soon get the option to receive DMs from people who don’t follow them on the platform or Instagram.

In addition to this new Direct Messages feature, Threads has started highlighting trending conversations and “unique perspectives” on the platform. Highlighted content will be marked with a yellow overlay, and the company plans to introduce more placements soon.