Highlights

• Threads now supports DMs allowing users over 18 to message mutual followers. Encryption is not yet available.
• A new visual feature highlights trending topics and unique perspectives to spark thoughtful conversations across the app.
• Both features are available worldwide, with upcoming additions like message controls, group chats, and inbox filters.

Caption – Threads is rolling out standalone DMs and a visual highlights feature. (Image credit – Threads)

Meta is giving Threads some long-awaited independence from Instagram. The app is officially rolling out its own direct messaging (DMs) and a new visual highlights feature called Threads Highlighter. These updates are launching just in time for the platform’s second anniversary. Threads first went live on July 5, 2023.

Announcing the rollout, the company said, “More than a third of daily Threads users with connections follow mostly different accounts on Threads than on Instagram, showing that Threads is establishing its own unique user base.”

Threads’ DMs Are Here

Since Threads launched, users have been asking for direct messaging, and it’s finally happening. But there are a few ground rules for now. First, DMs are not encrypted. Also, you can only send messages to people who follow you back on Threads, or mutual followers from Instagram. Both users also need to be over 18.

Caption – Threads’ users will now be able to DM followers without Instagram. (Image credit – Threads)

Meta says more features for DMs are on the way, which will include the following –

• Message controls to let you choose who can send you messages, even people who don’t follow you.
• Group messaging allowing conversations with multiple people at once.
• Inbox filters to help you find and reply to important messages faster.

The Threads Highlighter

Caption – The Threads highlighter is a new visual element. (Image credit – Threads)

Along with DMs, Threads is also launching a new visual feature called the Threads Highlighter. This tool is designed to highlight trending topics and “elevate and emphasize unique perspectives that lead to thoughtful conversations.”

You’ll start seeing the highlighter in important parts of the app where you usually discover content, especially on Trending topics. Meta says more placements will be added over time.

Both DMs and Highlighter features are available worldwide now, marking a big step in Threads’ shift toward becoming more than just an Instagram add-on.

FAQs

Q1. Can users now send direct messages on Threads?

Answer. Yes, Threads has officially launched direct messaging (DMs). However, messages are not encrypted, and you can only message mutual followers who are over 18.

Q2. What is the Threads Highlighter feature?

Answer. The Threads Highlighter is a new visual tool designed to highlight trending topics and emphasize unique perspectives that lead to thoughtful conversations.

Q3. Are these new features available globally?

Answer. Yes, both DMs and the Threads Highlighter are now available worldwide, marking a major step in Threads’ evolution beyond being just an Instagram extension.

Also Read: Threads finally gets its own DMs as Meta backtracks after user feedback

Also Read: Threads adds account warnings when posts are demoted, starts testing video ads