You Can Finally Use This Very Basic Threads Feature

Better late than never? Threads, Meta's answer to X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky, was launched almost two years ago in July 2023, and saw immediate rapid signups after piggybacking off Instagram's user base. Despite being around for that long, it's just now giving us the ability to direct message other users.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg teased the new feature earlier this month as it was rolling out in beta. "We're starting to test DMs on Threads. If you get access to this -- slide through!" Zuckerberg posted on his Threads account on June 10.

Meta says the feature is rolling out globally now for users who are 18 and older. Younger users won't have the option. Don't worry if you don't see the feature right away -- feature roll outs like these can take a couple of days to hit for all users. Make sure you've got the latest version of Threads downloaded. 

The new DM tab on the bottom menu will let you access your messages and filter through them. You will also have controls where you can select who is allowed to message you, as well as the ability to filter through the messages. Threads is also releasing new icon indicators to show when a topic is trending, called highlights.

Meta

According to the tech giant, Threads users have been requesting a way to continue conversations while keeping it in the app. You might have noticed that if you hit the arrow icon, you can send Threads posts to your friends and contacts on other Meta apps, including WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram, rather than through Threads itself.

Judging from the screenshot Meta sent of the new DM functionality, an envelope icon will be placed at the bottom left of the screen, between the home and plus icons, where the magnifying glass icon is currently in your app. The search icon will be relocated to the top right corner, in line with the Threads logo. 

The launch of DMs was purposefully timed for the app's second anniversary this month. Threads has been the recipient of many Meta updates lately, including a new way to hide spoilers, customizable feeds and a new domain name. The changes hope to make Threads a more staunch competitor and make it more independent from Instagram, which has been a "big sister" for much of Threads' existence. 

For more, check out how to schedule Instagram DMs.