For nearly two years, Threads users who wanted to slide into someone’s DMs had to hop over to Instagram — a detour so clunky, it might as well have come with a “Sorry for the inconvenience” sign. Well, at long last, Meta seems to have gotten the memo. The company is now testing in-app direct messaging — a basic feature, sure, but one that makes a world of difference.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Threads by Meta |
| What’s New | Direct Messaging (DMs) now built in |
| Test Regions | Hong Kong, Thailand, Argentina |
| Access Point | Envelope icon on mobile (bottom tab) and desktop (side menu) |
| Before | Redirected users to Instagram for private chats |
| New Domain | threads.com |
| Other Updates | Floating post composer, quick access to saved & liked posts |
| Global Rollout | Coming “soon” — Meta-speak for “eventually” |
| Why It Matters | Boosts user engagement, makes Threads feel whole |
Why Did This Take So Long?
Even Adam Mosseri, the head honcho at Instagram, couldn’t sugarcoat it: “We understand that messaging is the heart of any social network.” And he’s right. Launching a platform without DMs in 2025 is like building a fancy sports car without a steering wheel. Sure, it looks cool — but where are you going?
Up until now, Threads felt more like a public loudspeaker than a community space. You could shout your thoughts into the void, but if you wanted to whisper — forget it. This new feature changes that. It’s less about ticking a box and more about making Threads feel like a real place for connection.
“Without DMs, Threads was a broadcasting app — not a social one,” says Julia Hernandez, a social media analyst at Digiday. “This update repositions it as a platform for genuine community building.”
From Rushed Launch to Slow Burn
Let’s be honest — Threads was born out of chaos. It launched when X was melting down, and people were desperate for an alternative. Meta jumped at the chance, rolled Threads out fast, and snagged millions of users in record time. But once the buzz died down, the cracks started to show.
Little things, like missing DMs, bookmarks, and trending topics, chipped away at the experience. To their credit, Meta has been patching things up — the move to threads.com was a smart one, and recent updates have made the web version smoother. Still, the pace has often felt like catch-up rather than innovation.
But here’s the silver lining: when Meta finally does fix something, they go big. With billions of users and deep pockets, they can afford to iterate quickly — and at scale. Adding native DMs could finally give Threads the momentum it’s been missing.
What Could Be Coming Next?
Now that the DMs are here (or at least on their way), the door’s open for more features. Here’s what we might see down the line:
- Business Messaging: Threads could become a channel for brands to engage with users directly.
- Encrypted Chats: Given privacy concerns, Meta might be pushed to introduce end-to-end encryption.
- Cross-App Messaging: Imagine replying to Threads messages from Instagram or Messenger.
- Creator Tools: Private messaging could unlock new ways for creators to connect — and monetize.
Of course, all of this depends on how users respond. If the new DM feature flops or causes friction, Meta may have to go back to the drawing board. But if it sticks? Threads might finally become more than just another app on your phone.
Final Take: Long Overdue, Still Worth It
Look, Meta should’ve added DMs to Threads ages ago — no one’s debating that. But better late than never, right? In today’s digital world, where we’re constantly craving connection, private messaging isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s fundamental.
So while the update might not be revolutionary, it’s definitely necessary. Threads still has a long way to go, but this is a step in the right direction. Whether you’re a diehard Threads user or just checking in occasionally, DMs might be the nudge you need to stick around a little longer.
