Threads Finally Gets Its Own DMs as Meta Backtracks After User Feedback

Highlights

• Threads is reportedly testing its own built-in DMs with trials in Hong Kong, Thailand and Argentina.
• Threads users disliked the previous Instagram-linked DMs due to confusion, privacy concerns and identity overlap.
• The move signals independence, making Threads more user-friendly with a dedicated inbox for direct messaging.

Caption – You might soon get native direct messaging on the Threads app. (Photo by Julio Lopez on Unsplash)

It looks like Meta has finally agreed with what Threads users have been asking for since the beginning. Yes, we are referring to Threads’ own direct messaging, built right into the app. If reports hold any truth, there will be no more redirects to Instagram, no awkward workarounds, just simple and straightforward DMs within the Threads app, where conversations are actually happening.

According to a recent report by The Verge, Threads is testing its own messaging inbox in three countries starting this week. These countries are Hong Kong, Thailand and Argentina.

It’s a limited rollout for now, but Mark Zuckerberg has confirmed that a wider release is coming “soon.” No official timeline has been shared yet, but at least the change is in motion.

When Threads first launched, Instagram head Adam Mosseri suggested merging DMs from Instagram with Threads, saying users didn’t need another inbox. But that idea didn’t sit well with many, especially Twitter/X users who had moved to Threads and didn’t want their Instagram and Threads identities mixed together.

The workaround of mirroring messages across both platforms wasn’t popular either. Many users felt it was clunky and confusing and raised concerns about privacy and identity overlap, especially for those who keep different profiles on Instagram and Threads.

Now, Meta seems to be changing its approach.

While Threads initially relied on Instagram’s network to get off the ground, this shift shows that it’s finally being treated as its own standalone platform. And if Meta really wants Threads to grow and stay relevant, giving it features like built-in DMs is definitely a step in the right direction.

Reports reveal that if you’re part of the test group, you’ll see a new envelope icon on the bottom taskbar on iOS and Android. On the web, it’ll show up on the left-hand panel. It might seem a small tweak, but one that could make a big difference in how people use Threads day-to-day.

FAQs

Q1. What is changing with Threads’ direct messaging?

Answer. Threads is testing its own built-in messaging inbox in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Argentina, eliminating the need for Instagram-linked DMs.

Q2. Why did Meta decide to add DMs directly to Threads?

Answer. Users disliked the previous Instagram-based messaging system, finding it confusing and problematic for privacy and identity separation.

Q3. How will users know if they’re part of the Threads native DM test group?

Answer. Test users will see a new envelope icon in the bottom taskbar on iOS and Android, while web users will find it on the left-hand panel.

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