Threads users can now message each other directly within the app—a shift announced in an official blog post. This long-requested direct messaging (DM) feature, paired with a new highlight tool, signals a broader vision for Threads that’s not just an Instagram extension.
New feature, step by step
After a brief testing period, Meta has now announced a global expansion of Threads DMs, rolling out the dedicated private messaging inbox to all users. The inbox is accessed via the lower function bar, offering a Threads-specific private chat that’s distinct from Instagram’s direct messages. Meta says this brings Threads more in line with other platforms like X in terms of engagement and functionality.
Direct messaging is open to most users aged 18 and up, with exceptions in Japan, Australia, the U.K., and the EU, at least for now. A basic one-on-one chat is available at launch, while group chats and message filters are coming soon.
More than a third of daily Threads users with connections follow mostly different accounts on Threads than on Instagram, according to Meta, indicating Threads is developing its own unique community apart from its parent platform.
Key DM launch features include:
- One-on-one conversations within Threads
- Preset emoji responses
- Spam reporting abilities
- Mute controls for DMs, mirroring Instagram’s approach
Users cannot yet block specific contacts within DMs—instead, blocking someone on Threads blocks them platform-wide and on Instagram. Currently, DM access is determined by mutual following status.
As part of its commitment to user safety, Meta is starting DMs with restrictions: only followers on Threads or mutual followers from Instagram who are 18 and older can message each other. Messaging is also protected by Meta’s privacy standards, account protections, and safety infrastructure. As messaging expands, safety remains a key priority. As Meta notes: “We know it’s important for people to feel safe using messaging. To start, we’re only allowing DMs between your Threads followers or mutual followers from Instagram who are ages 18 and older. Messaging is also protected by our robust privacy standards, account protections and safety infrastructure. As we expand messaging, we’re prioritizing safety to help make it another place for positive interactions on Threads.”
Meta further highlights the importance of this launch: “Messaging has been one of the top requested features, and now, you can easily continue conversations in the app and deepen relationships with others.”
DM engagement overall has been growing rapidly across social media, as users increasingly favor private conversations over public posting. This trend is an important driver behind Threads’ addition of its own DMs, following industry shifts toward more intimate forms of discussion and connection.
Exciting improvements are coming soon to messaging, including:
- Message controls: The ability to decide who can send you messages, including people who don’t follow you on Threads or Instagram, along with a dedicated message requests folder to filter potential spam.
- Group messaging: Connect with multiple people around a conversation.
- Inbox filters: Easily find and respond to the messages that matter most to you.
Highlighting trending perspectives
Threads has also rolled out a highlight feature that surfaces engaging discussions and trending perspectives in the For You feed. Over time, this feature will evolve to call out top voices and lively threads within specific interest feeds, helping users find conversations worth joining.
The new Threads highlighter visually elevates unique perspectives that inspire thoughtful conversation. At first, you’ll see the highlighter in important discovery sections of the app and as a way to mark trending topics, with even more placements planned soon.
Building a distinct identity from Instagram
From its initial launch, Threads relied on Instagram’s social graph. Now, though, the overlap between the two has dropped sharply—with more than a third of daily Threads users following mostly different accounts than they do on Instagram. Meta is testing login options beyond Instagram, including Facebook logins in Europe, Threads-only sign-ups, and even browsing the web without logging in.
These moves reinforce Threads’ identity as a hub for opinions and communities, a vision supported by other recent feature rollouts. For example, spoiler tags now hide sensitive media, giving creators and brands cleaner ways to manage community engagement. You can read more about these changes in our coverage of how Threads spoiler tags now cover images and video.
A fresh landscape for creators and brands
The creator scene on Threads differs from Instagram. Some established influencers cross over, but many, like NBA superfan David Rushing, are building entirely new communities native to the app. Meta plans to highlight top contributors and surface community leaders in recommendations, aiming to make these groups easier to find and join.
Last year’s introduction of tags and topic feeds gave rise to dynamic interest-based communities. Recent updates—like moving custom feeds to a new menu for simpler topic browsing—reflect Threads’ emphasis on ease of discovery. To see how organizational tweaks are shaping the creator experience, catch up on Threads updates custom feeds access with new dropdown menu.
For marketers and small brands, these updates turn Threads into a more interactive venue. The addition of DMs streamlines audience outreach, enhances collaborative campaigns, and allows for deeper relationship-building, all without relying on Instagram as an intermediary.
A look at security and monetization
While competitors like X are pushing encrypted chat and paid subscription models, Threads’ approach to DMs prioritizes convenience and community over privacy. There are no plans for DM encryption right now. Likewise, monetization efforts remain focused solely on traditional ads—AI features operate quietly in the background, powering things like trending-topic headlines rather than premium upsells.
Behind the scenes, Meta’s broader plan for unifying its messaging platforms—including Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram Direct—has not seen recent updates, possibly due to ongoing legal proceedings with the FTC concerning potential divestments of WhatsApp and Instagram. The outcome of this case could shape future messaging integrations, but for now, Threads DMs operate independently.
What’s next for Threads
With 350 million monthly active users, Threads stands well ahead of newer networks like Bluesky but still plays catchup compared to Meta’s billion-user platforms. Meta hints at further breaking off from Instagram and is experimenting with more flexible login methods and future community tools.
The rollout of DMs and highlights is just the start. New moderation controls, group messaging, and richer discovery tools are all on the roadmap, positioning Threads as a network where creators and brands can build authentic interest-based followings in their own right. With this latest step, some observers even speculate whether Threads will get its own CEO in the near future as the platform continues developing its standalone identity.
