Threads is finally adding DMs, but not everyone is happy about it
Meta begins testing native direct messaging on Threads, raising hopes for better communication — and concerns about user safety.
Threads is finally getting one of its most requested features: direct messages. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced today that the company is starting to test a new DM feature for Threads. The initial rollout begins this week in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Argentina, with plans to expand to more regions soon.
Until now, Threads users had no way to send private messages directly in the app. Anyone who wanted to talk one-on-one had to switch to Instagram, since Threads accounts are linked to Instagram profiles. That’s about to change. The new update introduces a separate inbox built directly into Threads. It can be accessed by tapping the envelope icon in the taskbar at the bottom of the mobile app, or from the left side on desktop.
Importantly, Threads DMs won’t be connected to Instagram’s inbox. That gives users a clean, separate space to send and receive messages inside Threads, without needing to hop between apps.
Mark Zuckerberg confirms that DMs are coming to Threads. | Image credit — Mark Zuckerberg on Threads
This marks a big shift for the platform. Since launching in July 2023, Threads has added several key features, including a Following feed, trending topics, an edit button, and support for web access. Each update has brought it closer to the kind of full-featured social platform many users have come to expect. Adding DMs brings Threads a step closer to rivaling X (formerly Twitter), where private messaging has long been a core feature.
But not everyone is excited. While some users see this as a much-needed improvement — especially creators and business accounts looking to manage conversations more easily — others are concerned about what it means for the platform’s future. Some worry that private messaging could open the door to the kind of harassment and toxic behavior seen on other apps.
In particular, many women have spoken out, saying the lack of DMs was one of the reasons Threads felt like a safer space. Without private messages, unwanted contact was more visible and easier to manage. Now, there’s concern that bad actors will use DMs to send abuse in private, where it’s harder to report or moderate.
Critics also argue that adding DMs risks changing the tone of Threads. What started as a public-focused platform may now feel more like other social apps — and not necessarily in a good way.
Still, this update brings Threads closer to meeting the expectations of modern users. Whether it helps Threads grow or creates new challenges, one thing is certain: Threads DMs are almost here, and it’s going to change how people use the app.
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