Twitter Rolls Out Improved Direct Messages With Read Receipts And More

Twitter has added typing indicators, read receipts and more new features, in a move to position Direct Messages as a fully fledged messenger app.

Direct messages – or DMs – have been a core feature of the Twitter experience for a long time now. However, they never really evolved into something more than an “email-like” feature.

On the contrary, other platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat have long committed to develop serious messaging features within their platforms. So, yes, to that extent it was about time Twitter looked into improving its DM experience.

I’m convinced that read receipts, for example, are a necessary feature for any modern messaging app. Facebook is obviously the best example, but WhatsApp and iMessage have also offered this for a long time. The same applies to typing indicators, the little animations or annotations that let you know your friend is currently busy typing up a response to your message.

.@Twitter adds read receipts and typing indicators to #DMs

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Finally, Twitter is also adding weblink preview. Again this is a very useful feature, already enjoyed by most users of the other main social messaging platforms.

New! Direct Messages are more dynamic than ever with read receipts, typing indicators, and web link previews. pic.twitter.com/VEU92V5Gqj
— Twitter (@Twitter) September 8, 2016