Threads just dropped its most-requested feature yet: direct messages. Users can now chat one-on-one without jumping back to Instagram, a big move for the app as it keeps carving out its own space in Meta’s universe.
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DMs roll out globally this week (18+ only) with basics like emoji reactions, spam reporting, and mute. Group chats and advanced controls are coming later, but don’t expect end-to-end encryption, Threads says these chats are all about staying in the moment.
“We’re not encrypting our DMs,” said Emily Dalton Smith, Threads VP of Product. “It’s really about just connecting directly and talking to people about whatever is happening now, which I think makes encryption less core to the experience.”
The platform is also launching “highlighter,” a new way to spotlight interesting perspectives and trending topics in your feed. And with a growing interest graph that’s increasingly distinct from Instagram, Meta is testing ways for people to use Threads without an IG account at all, think Facebook logins or Threads-only profiles.
Threads’ 350 million monthly users are building unique communities, like the thriving NBA fan space started by creator David Rushing. Expect more tools to find and connect with these micro-communities soon.
For now, no big plans for monetizing beyond ads, but the roadmap hints at more AI-powered features in the future.
One thing’s clear: Threads wants to be your go-to for real-time perspectives, not just an Instagram clone.
